Senate Bill 2498 Summary

• Requires voter registration applicants to submit proof of U.S. citizenship using a birth certificate, U.S. passport, or naturalization documentation.

• Directs the Secretary of State to compare the statewide voter database against identification databases within one year to identify non-citizens, with procedures for notification and removal if citizenship cannot be proven within 30 days.

• Mandates registrars compare absentee ballot application signatures against voter signatures on file in a state database and reject applications if signatures do not match.

• Prohibits use of direct recording electronic (DRE) voting equipment after December 1, 2023; requires all voting equipment after January 1, 2025 to lack wireless remote connections and prevent ballots from being counted more than once.

• Repeals existing provisions allowing naturalized citizens to register with less stringent documentation requirements.