U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said on Mar. 18 that only American citizens should be allowed to vote in U.S. elections, calling for a federal requirement that voters prove their citizenship when registering.
Thune addressed the Senate floor, arguing that requiring proof of citizenship is a necessary step to ensure election integrity and reflecting what he described as widespread public support for such measures. He said, “Only American citizens should be voting in American elections.”
Thune pointed out that many Americans already believe proof of citizenship is required to register to vote, but current law does not mandate it. He cited polling data indicating that 75 percent of voters support requiring proof of citizenship, including majorities among Democrats and Hispanic and Black voters. “This is just common sense,” Thune said, adding that confirming eligibility is standard practice for government benefits and employment.
He referenced past efforts by Arizona to require proof of citizenship for voter registration—both through a 2004 ballot referendum and a 2022 state law—which were struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court because they exceeded federal requirements. Thune argued that the SAVE America Act would address this gap by establishing a national standard.
Thune criticized opposition from Democratic lawmakers and noted some states issue driver’s licenses to noncitizens or allow them to vote in local elections. He said, “The vote of even one ineligible voter dilutes the vote of an American citizen.”
Thune represents South Dakota in the Senate, focusing on agriculture, energy, economic development, community outreach, and veterans’ issues according to his official website. He serves as Senate Republican Whip and holds committee positions related to finance; agriculture; nutrition and forestry; commerce; science; and transportation according to his official website.
Looking ahead, Thune concluded his remarks by emphasizing the importance of protecting voting rights: “Why shouldn’t we make sure everyone who casts a ballot in this country is actually eligible to vote?”
