Missouri’s Proof of Citizenship Bill (SB 986) Deserves a Public Hearing
Why is Missouri considering a proof-of-citizenship bill in 2026?
Let’s look back at the 2024 election.
Voters approved Amendment 7 by a decisive margin.
A total of 1,966,852 Missourians voted yes. That is 68.44 percent of the electorate.
The amendment added a simple principle in our state constitution: only citizens may vote in Missouri elections.
If Only Citizens Vote, How Do We Verify Citizenship?
This is where things get real.
In Missouri, registering to vote is based on self-attestation. Applicants check a box affirming they are a citizen and sign under penalty of perjury.
That is not documentary proof.
The right to vote is too important to leave to the honor system.
Public Support for Proof of Citizenship Is Strong
This is not a fringe issue.
A 2024 Gallup survey found 83% national support for requiring proof of citizenship when registering to vote.
Gallup has also consistently found overwhelming support for voter ID laws, which reflects a broad public expectation that elections should be secure and rules should be enforced.
Missouri would not be the first state to take this step.
Voters want the system to be clear and trustworthy.
Why SB 986 Should Receive a Hearing
A public hearing is the appropriate place to test the details and get feedback from the public.
Amendment 7 settled the principle. This bill is about aligning registration procedures with the constitutional standard that Missouri voters approved.
If you support proof of citizenship for voter registration in Missouri, contact your state senator and urge them to support SB 986.
When voters speak clearly, legislators should listen.
Stay tuned.
Andy Bakker
Executive Director
Liberty Alliance USA