Ballot Access: Federal and State Efforts on Voting Rights
COMMENTARY
The current debate over proof-of-citizenship and other voting restrictions is the latest chapter in a long history of battles over access to the ballot in America. For decades, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 provided robust federal protections against discriminatory voting laws, especially in states with histories of racial disenfranchisement. However, the Supreme Court’s 2013 decision in Shelby County v. Holder struck down key provisions of the act, allowing states to change voting laws without federal preclearance.
In the years since, there has been a marked increase in state-level efforts to impose new barriers to voting, including strict ID laws and, more recently, proof-of-citizenship requirements. These shifts have reignited national debate about the balance between election security and the fundamental right to vote.
Who I Am and Why This Column Matters
As co-chair of the League of Minority Voters’ National Board of Trustees, I am deeply committed to advancing the rights and representation of minority communities in America. The LMV works to empower minority voices through education, advocacy and mobilization, addressing systemic barriers that have historically excluded these communities from full civic participation. My role allows me to engage directly with efforts to ensure equitable access to the ballot box and promote policies that reflect the diverse fabric of our nation.
With over 25 years of experience in public relations, advocacy and government relations, I have dedicated my career to addressing the challenges facing marginalized communities. Through this column, I aim to explore how federal policies and legislative proposals shape civic participation and representation, using data-driven insights to provoke curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of democracy’s evolving landscape.
In this first column, we’ll examine recent and ongoing actions by the federal government, Congress and state legislatures that could reshape voting access in America. These changes remain especially relevant for minority communities, particularly in light of shifting voter trends from the 2024 presidential election.
Recent Federal Actions on Voting Rights
Since his inauguration in January 2025, President Donald Trump’s administration has implemented several policies with significant implications for voting rights:
- Revocation of Biden’s Voting Access Executive Order: Early in his term, Trump revoked executive order 14019, which had expanded voter registration efforts by federal agencies.
- New Executive Order on Election Integrity: In March 2025, Trump issued the “Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections” executive order.
In addition to these efforts by the administration, Congress is considering legislation regarding changes to voter registration.
The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, which would require documentary proof of citizenship for federal voter registration, has passed the House of Representatives as of April 10, 2025, and awaits consideration in the Senate, where it has been referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. The bill’s restrictions on third-party registration drives and documentary requirements remain controversial, with voting rights advocates arguing they could disenfranchise eligible voters, particularly those in minority and low-income communities.
State-Level Proof-of-Citizenship Laws
While federal efforts are at the forefront, several states are also advancing or considering proof-of-citizenship requirements for voter registration. According to CNN, 22 states have debated such laws in 2025, with Wyoming recently adopting a measure and others, like Texas and Florida, considering similar proposals. However, most states do not currently require documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration, and prior attempts (such as in Kansas) have led to significant litigation and, in some cases, have been blocked by federal courts.
Insights from the 2024 Presidential Election
Minority voter participation in the 2024 presidential election showed significant shifts:
- Black Voter Turnout: Black support for Democrats dropped to 83%, down from 91% in 2020. Trump doubled his share of Black votes to 16%, with particularly notable gains among younger Black men (about 30% nationally).
- Latino Voter Trends: Latino support for the Democratic ticket fell to 56%, from Biden’s 63% in 2020, while Trump’s share rose to 42%.
These data remain provisional until full post-election analyses are released in summer and fall 2025, but they are the most widely cited figures at this time.
Broader Implications for Civic Participation
- Underrepresentation: Despite being a substantial portion of the U.S. population, minority groups continue to be underrepresented among voters. For instance, Black Americans and Latinos made up about 10% of the 2024 electorate, respectively, despite representing a larger share of the population.
- Barriers to Voting: The SAVE Act and similar state proposals could further hinder access for marginalized communities. In Kansas, for example, a proof-of-citizenship law passed in 2011 blocked more than 31,000 eligible citizens from registering before being struck down by a federal court.
- Legal and Practical Uncertainty: Most experts agree that noncitizen voting is already exceedingly rare and illegal in federal elections. Critics of proof-of-citizenship requirements argue that these measures risk disenfranchising eligible voters, while supporters claim they are needed to bolster confidence in elections.
Reflecting on Democracy
The right to vote has always been a defining and contested battleground of American democracy. As new federal and state policies raise the bar for voter registration, the nation faces a pivotal question: Will these measures bring us closer to a democracy where every citizen’s voice is heard, or will they reinforce barriers that have long excluded too many from full participation?
The answer will shape not only who votes but also who is truly represented in the halls of power. In this moment of transition, the future of American democracy and the promise of equal voice for all hang in the balance. In future columns, I will do a deep dive on these issues and address emerging efforts affecting voter registration and participation.
These columns will publish the first week each month and can be found here.
Andres Ramirez is co-chair of the League of Minority Voters’ National Board of Trustees. With over 25 years of experience in public relations, advocacy and government relations, he has dedicated his career to addressing the challenges facing marginalized communities. The views and opinions expressed in this column belong to Ramirez and do not necessarily reflect those of the League of Minority Voters or its Board of Trustees.
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