State Department Considers Sharing Passport Records for Voter Citizenship Checks

The State Department is evaluating methods to grant state and local officials access to federal passport records to verify the citizenship of registered voters. This initiative aims to protect data, deter fraud, and support the integrity of U.S. citizenship. The Justice Department disclosed the plan in a court filing, noting that the State Department will publish a notice in the Federal Register proposing to share information from the Passport Services Records system.

• The State Department is assessing how to provide state and local officials with access to federal passport records.
• The goal is to verify the citizenship of registered voters ahead of the midterm elections.
• This initiative aims to protect data, deter fraud, and support the integrity of U.S. citizenship.
• The Justice Department disclosed the plan in a court filing, with a notice expected in the Federal Register.
• A recent Supreme Court decision allows the Department of Homeland Security to share citizenship information for voter verification.