Representative Tom Graves Introduces Bill to Require Verification of Citizenship

ATLANTA—Georgia State Representative Tom Graves (R-Ranger) is the author of HR 12, a Constitutional Amendment that would require the General Assembly to pass legislation detailing the requirements for verification of citizenship when registering to vote.

“Our open electoral process is the envy of all other nations, and its one that we are going to protect. The fact that there are persons and groups who wish to circumvent the process is appalling,” Graves said.

Georgia requires that all persons registering to vote be U.S. citizens and Georgia residents. While there is a requirement in place for such, there is no process of verification. Combine Georgia’s lax verification process, remote voter registration drives, and Georgia’s loose absentee balloting laws and the opportunity for voter fraud is compounded. HR 12 would permanently affix in the Georgia Constitution the requirement for verification by state law.

“This amendment will assure that when law abiding Georgians cast their vote, it is not cancelled out by someone else who is attempting to unlawfully thwart the process,” Graves commented.

HR 12 is joined with HB 139, companion legislation, which details the requirements for verification.

###