WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 202

Election Laws - As introduced, requires the state coordinator of elections to monthly compare the statewide voter registration database with relevant databases of state and federal agencies to ensure non-United States citizens are not registered to vote in this state; revises documents that may be provided to prove United States citizenship upon request by a county election commission; revises the process of appealing a determination that an individual is not qualified to vote based upon citizenship status. - Amends TCA Title 2.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Kelly Keisling

Tennessee bill mandates monthly voter roll verification against federal/state databases to remove non-citizens, modifies citizenship documentation requirements, and revises appeal procedures for citizenship-based eligibility denials.

Taken off notice for cal in s/c Elections & Campaign Finance Subcommittee of State & Local Government Committee
#electionlaws
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 202

Legislative bill overview

HB 202 requires Tennessee's election coordinator to conduct monthly comparisons between the statewide voter registration database and federal/state agency databases to identify and remove non-U.S. citizens from voter rolls. The bill also modifies the documentation required to prove citizenship and streamlines the appeal process for citizenship-based voter eligibility determinations.

Why is this important

Voter roll maintenance directly affects election integrity and administrative efficiency. This bill addresses concerns about non-citizen voter registration by implementing systematic verification procedures, while also establishing clearer processes for citizenship documentation and appeals—issues that affect both election administration costs and individual voters' ability to resolve eligibility disputes.

Potential points of contention

  • Database accuracy and false positives: Cross-referencing multiple databases risks incorrectly flagging eligible citizens as non-citizens, potentially disenfranchising voters who must then navigate appeals processes to restore voting rights
  • Privacy and data-sharing scope: Monthly comparisons with federal and state databases raise questions about data privacy, which agencies are included, and whether appropriate safeguards exist for sensitive personal information
  • Resource and implementation costs: Establishing monthly verification procedures and handling citizenship appeals could create significant administrative burdens and expenses for county election commissions already stretched thin

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.