The Libertarian Party of Texas (LPTexas) opposes Senate Joint Resolution 37, which proposes a constitutional amendment to explicitly state that only United States citizens may vote in Texas elections. While the bill purports to safeguard election integrity, the amendment is redundant under existing law and risks misleading voters into believing that non-citizens have previously been permitted to register or vote in Texas elections—further fueling unnecessary public confusion and misplaced concern.

1. Citizenship Is Already Required to Vote by Law
   Under current Texas law, an individual must be a United States citizen to register to vote. This requirement is clear, enforceable, and already governs voter eligibility across all levels of elections. There is no compelling need to duplicate this requirement in the Texas Constitution.
   
   
2. Redundant Legislation Encourages Misperception and Political Manipulation
   Proposing this amendment signals, either explicitly or implicitly, that Texas may have previously permitted non-citizen voting—when in fact no such legal framework has ever existed under Texas election law. This risks confusing voters and stoking unfounded fears, which can be used to justify future restrictive policies or expanded surveillance under the guise of election “security.”
   
   
3. Violates Principles of Limited Government and Constitutional Restraint
   LPTexas supports a Constitution that secures individual liberty—not one bloated by unnecessary reiterations of statutory law. Constitutional amendments should serve a clear and urgent purpose, not be used as political messaging tools to advance legislative narratives or fear-based policymaking.
   
   

Conclusion
The Libertarian Party of Texas urges the Legislature to reject SJR 37. Rather than cluttering the Constitution with redundant provisions, lawmakers should focus on ensuring transparency, voluntary participation, and minimal state interference in the electoral process. Texas law already guarantees that only citizens can vote—there is no need to enshrine a solution in search of a problem.