Voters in Texas approved a constitutional change that makes clear noncitizens cannot cast ballots in state elections, a measure tied to SJR 37 that passed overwhelmingly. Unofficial tallies show the proposition won by roughly 72 percent, and the amendment adds explicit language to the state constitution about who is eligible to vote. Governor Greg Abbott praised the outcome and used social posts to underline the point.
The election returned a decisive margin, with turnout reflecting broad support across many parts of the state for preserving the franchise for citizens alone. That level of support sent a clear signal from voters who want the law to reflect a simple principle: voting is for citizens. The result moves the question from administrative practice into the constitution for added clarity.
SJR 37 ties directly to the ballot change by specifying that “persons who are not citizens of the United States” will be listed among those excluded from voting in Texas. That exact phrase will now appear in the constitution, aligning the state charter with existing voter eligibility rules. Putting the line into the constitution is meant to remove ambiguity and make the standard unmistakable for officials and the public.
State election law already requires citizenship as a condition to register to vote, so the amendment mostly reinforces what is already on the books. Supporters argued that constitutional language provides stronger protection and reduces room for legal or administrative challenges down the road. Opponents had warned about exclusion and tone, but voters chose to codify the rule as part of the state constitution.
Federal statutes also prohibit noncitizens from voting in federal contests, which means state and federal rules will be in sync on this basic point of eligibility. That alignment was part of the argument for voters who wanted no confusion between what federal law forbids and what Texas allows. With both levels of law pointing the same direction, officials say enforcement and administration should be more straightforward.
“It is now in our Constitution that only US citizens can vote in Texas elections,” Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, declared in a on X. He used the win to reinforce a broader message about secure and clear voting rules and to celebrate a straightforward, citizen-only standard. Abbott also took a moment to comment on developments outside Texas, weighing in on national politics with his typical blunt style.
Abbott noted the outcome in New York’s mayoral race and singled out Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani’s victory in that contest as a political signal worth attention. “Join me for a moment of silence for NYC. Thoughts & prayers,” the governor wrote, adding the praying hands emoji in a on X. His comment tied the Texas vote to a broader narrative about political choices and consequences in American cities and states.
https://x.com/GregAbbott_TX/status/1985938136061366690
