Senate approves constitutional amendment to specify U.S. citizenship as voter qualification

The Tennessee Senate voted to adopt Senate Joint Resolution 6-24 on third and final reading, a proposed amendment to Article IV, Section 1 of the state constitution that would specify that only citizens of the United States may vote in state, county or municipal elections.

Leader Johnson, the floor sponsor, said the change would “enshrine” a citizenship requirement in the constitution and give voters a direct say. “I believe it rises to the level that it should be enshrined in our constitution,” he said, arguing the statute-level requirement deserves constitutional backing.

Senator Yarbrough pushed back during floor debate, saying federal law and existing Tennessee statutes already require citizenship for voting and that the amendment “changes nothing” in practice. “This is the law,” he said, urging colleagues to consider whether the measure is principally symbolic.

After brief remarks from other senators and no sustained objection, the Senate recessed for the recorded vote. The clerk announced the result: Ayes 27, Nays 4, and the presiding officer declared the resolution adopted on third consideration.

What happens next: Because this is a proposed constitutional amendment, the resolution will be carried to the next legislature (and if again approved, would go to voters as prescribed by the state constitution). The Senate record shows no on‑floor amendments to the text during the third‑reading debate.

Votes and formal action: The Senate recorded 27 in favor and 4 opposed on third and final consideration; the motion to reconsider was tabled.

Why it matters: Supporters describe the measure as protecting the integrity of elections by putting a citizenship requirement into the constitution. Opponents described it as redundant with federal and state law and questioned the need to use an amendment as a messaging vehicle.