Federal Election Citizenship Verification Act of 2026

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the 'Federal Election Citizenship Verification Act of 2026'. SECTION 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds that under Article I, Section 4, Clause 1, it has power to regulate federal elections; only U.S. citizens may vote under the Fourteenth Amendment; and secure verification prevents fraud while respecting state administration under the Tenth Amendment. SECTION 3. CITIZENSHIP VERIFICATION REQUIREMENT. States must verify citizenship for federal voter registration using documents like birth certificates, passports, or naturalization papers, or cross-checks with DHS SAVE database or Social Security Administration. No registration without verification; existing voters affirm citizenship annually via mail or online. States receive formula grants to implement. SECTION 4. IMPLEMENTATION GRANTS. The Election Assistance Commission shall distribute $1 billion in grants over 5 years to states for database integration, staff training, and public education on verification. Non-compliant states lose 10% of federal highway funds. SECTION 5. OVERSIGHT AND REPORTING. A bipartisan Election Security Board, with 4 Democrats and 4 Republicans appointed by congressional leaders, oversees via annual audits. Sunset after 5 years unless reauthorized. SECTION 6. ENFORCEMENT. The Attorney General may bring civil suits for compliance; states retain primary enforcement. Judicial review in U.S. district court where state resides, with direct appeal to Supreme Court if constitutional claim.