Voting

Axios - A ballot measure that would set a maximum age limit of 81 on U.S. Congress members representing North Dakota was approved by voters in the state on Tuesday. The vote that’s believed to be the first of its kind comes after age emerged as a top concern for voters ahead of the 2024 presidential election, as 81-year-old President Biden faces off against former President Trump, who turns 78 on Friday. The measure will likely face legal challenges.

NPR - Top Republican leaders are backing a new House bill that would require U.S. citizens to show proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. Republicans say they want to address the rare and illegal practice of non-U.S. citizens casting ballots for federal races. A new report raises concerns that this push could put the votes of millions of eligible voters at risk:

• About 1 in 10 U.S. adult citizens — 21.3 million people — say they either don't have or can't quickly find citizenship documents. The findings, first shared with NPR, also reveal differences by race, ethnicity, and political affiliation. 
• Most states use social security or driver's license numbers to check citizenship. Federal law requires states to accept an applicant's sworn statement about citizenship.
• The survey found that requiring proof of citizenship would disproportionately affect historically underrepresented groups. But Michael Hanmer, a professor of government and politics, says the impact would be wide-reaching. He questions the political reasons behind the bill since "there really aren't problems with fraud." 
• This bill is not expected to become law in this Congress. However, Republican state lawmakers have made similar proposals in New Hampshire. The Republican National Committee is involved in a legal fight over similar requirements in Arizona, which a federal judge has blocked for now.