PORTLAND, Maine — Maine and Texas have become the latest states to join a nationwide Republican effort to enact strict voter ID laws and bring attention to the rare issue of noncitizen voting. On Tuesday, voters in both states will decide on ballot measures addressing these topics.
Supporters of the initiatives argue that the measures would help safeguard elections, ensuring that only eligible voters participate. Opponents, however, claim the proposals are designed to make voting more difficult and to address problems that are not widespread.
### Texas Proposal
In Texas, where Republicans control the government, the proposal is straightforward. It seeks to amend the Texas Constitution to explicitly add “persons who are not citizens of the United States” to the list of individuals prohibited from voting in elections.
Currently, Texas voters must attest to their citizenship when registering to vote, so this amendment is largely symbolic. However, enshrining the language in the state constitution would make it difficult to change in the future.
This measure comes as Texas Republicans have pushed for additional voting restrictions, including a requirement that voters provide documented proof of citizenship. A related state Senate bill failed to pass before the legislature adjourned in June.
Between 2018 and 2024, 14 other states have approved similar citizenship amendments, and more are expected to appear on ballots next year.
### Maine Proposal
Maine’s proposal is more comprehensive. The Republican-backed ballot initiative centers on requiring voters to present a photo ID. Beyond that, it would limit the use of ballot drop boxes to just one per municipality—a significant change in a state where mail voting has become increasingly popular.
The measure would also make several alterations to the state’s absentee voting system. These include eliminating two days of absentee voting and ending ongoing absentee voter status for seniors and people with disabilities.
Governor Janet Mills, a Democrat, has spoken out against the voter ID initiative, which is the centerpiece of Question 1 on the ballot. She views the proposal not as a safeguard for elections but as an attack on the right to vote.
Proponents contend that the measure is necessary to ensure that only legal votes count.
The ballot initiative comes amid an investigation into allegations that dozens of unmarked ballots, intended for this year’s election, were found inside a woman’s Amazon order. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows has stated that the secretary of state’s law enforcement division is investigating with assistance from the FBI and other state agencies.
### National Context
The votes in Maine and Texas take place at a time when former President Donald Trump and national Republicans have intensified calls for new voting restrictions, including demands for proof of citizenship at the ballot box.
As this trend continues, the outcomes in Maine and Texas will be closely watched as part of the broader national debate over voting rights and election security.
https://www.clickorlando.com/news/politics/2025/11/04/maine-and-texas-consider-republican-backed-election-proposals-on-voter-id-noncitizen-voting/
