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H.R. 873House117th Congress (2021-2023)In Committee

Ensuring American Voters Act of 2021

Sponsored by Bob GibbsRep. Bob Gibbs (R-OH)
Introduced February 5, 2021

AI-Generated Summary

Updated February 7, 2026 at 10:24 PM UTC

The Ensuring American Voters Act of 2021 would amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require states to obtain documentary proof of U.S. citizenship before registering anyone to vote in federal elections. Acceptable proof includes a certified birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a naturalization or citizenship certificate. The requirement applies to all voter‑registration methods and takes effect for applications submitted after the law is enacted, affecting both prospective voters and state election officials.

Key Provisions

  • States may not register a voter for federal office unless the applicant provides documentary proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, passport, consular report of birth abroad, or naturalization/citizenship certificate).
  • Adds a new subsection to the National Voter Registration Act specifying the proof‑of‑citizenship requirement and renumbers the existing subsection (j) to (k).
  • Applies to all registration methods under the Act (sections 5, 6, 7, mail‑in forms, or any other state method) for applications submitted on or after enactment.

Legislative Activity

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1 earlier action
HouseIntro Referral Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.

Committee on House Administration

February 5, 2021

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

February 5, 2021

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.

Committee on House Administration

February 5, 2021

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued February 5, 2021

I

117th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 873

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

February 5, 2021

Mr. Gibbs (for himself and Mr. Duncan) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on House Administration

A BILL

To amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to prohibit a State from registering an individual to vote in elections for Federal office held in the State unless the individual provides documentary proof that the individual is a citizen of the United States.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Ensuring American Voters Act of 2021.

2.

Prohibiting registration to vote of individuals who fail to provide proof of United States citizenship

(a)

In General

Section 8 of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (52 U.S.C. 20507) is amended—

(1)

by redesignating subsection (j) as subsection (k); and

(2)

by inserting after subsection (i) the following new subsection:

(j)

Prohibiting registration of individuals not providing proof of United States citizenship

(1)

In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, a State may not register an individual to vote in elections for Federal office held in the State unless, at the time the individual applies to register to vote, the individual provides documentary proof that the individual is a citizen of the United States, which shall consist of any of the following (or a photocopy thereof):

(A)

A certified birth certificate issued by a State or unit of local government in a State.

(B)

A valid United States passport.

(C)

A Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by the Secretary of State.

(D)

A Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship issued by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

(2)

Applicability

Paragraph (1) applies with respect to an individual who applies to register to vote under section 5, 6, or 7 (including an individual who submits the mail voter registration application form prescribed by the Election Assistance Commission pursuant to section 9), or who applies under any other method of voter registration available in the State.

.

(b)

Effective Date

The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to applications for voter registration which are submitted on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.