The Constitution of the United States provides several basic requirements for eligibility to be elected to the office of President. Individual states did not introduce significant relevant legislation until the 2008 election of Barack Obama, when a controversy known as the birther movement was promoted by various conspiracy theorists. The "birthers" asserted during the 2008 presidential election campaign that Obama was not a natural-born U.S. citizen, as mandated by the Constitution, and thus was ineligible to be President of the United States, prompting several state legislatures to consider legislation aimed at requiring future presidential candidates to provide proof of citizenship by birth before being granted ballot access in their state. None of these efforts led to the passage of currently active laws.
Background
Article II, Section 1, Clause 5 of the Constitution sets only three qualifications for holding the presidency. To serve as president, one must:
- be a natural-born U.S. citizen of the United States;
- be at least 35 years old;
- be a resident in the United States for at least 14 years.[1]
A person who meets the above qualifications could still not be qualified to hold office if that person has exceeded the term limits of the 22nd amendment,[2][3] or if they have been disqualified from holding any "office of honor, trust, or profit under the United States" – a legal term which, debatably, may or may not include the Presidency as well[4] – following either impeachment and conviction under Article I, Section 3, Clause 7,[5] or rebellion against the United States and subsequent disqualification under Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment.[6][7]
2009 proposed federal legislation
In March 2009, Representative Bill Posey, a newly elected Republican from Florida's 15th congressional district, introduced a bill, H.R. 1503, in the U.S. House of Representatives to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971. The amendment would have required candidates for the Presidency "to include with the [campaign] committee's statement of organization a copy of the candidate's birth certificate" plus other supporting documentation.[8] Posey's bill never received a vote by the full House of Representatives, and died when the 111th Congress adjourned at the end of 2010.[9]
Proposed state presidential eligibility legislation post–2008
During the 2008 presidential election campaign, there was some controversy generated by conspiracy theorists who claimed that (eventual election winner) Obama was not a natural-born U.S. citizen, as mandated by the Constitution, and thus was ineligible to be President of the United States. This prompted several state legislatures to consider, in the aftermath of the election, legislation aimed at requiring future presidential candidates to show proof of presidential eligibility before being granted ballot access in their state.
Alabama
Legislation introduced in April 2011 by state Senator Slade Blackwell would require any candidate running for an office with an age requirement to present their birth certificate.[10]
Arizona
On April 19, 2010, the Arizona House of Representatives voted in favor of a rider to require presidential candidates "to submit documents proving they meet the constitutional requirements to be president".[11] If enacted, the law would give the Arizona Secretary of State the power to omit a candidate's name on the state ballot if there is "reasonable cause" to believe that the documents are not adequate proof of the requirements for office. The rider passed the Arizona House of Representatives on a 31–29 vote, with only Republicans voting in favor and some Republicans joining with Democrats to oppose.[12] The bill then went to the Arizona State Senate, which declined to vote on the bill before the April 2010 end of legislative session, the deadline for the bill's passage.[13][14][15]
In reaction to the proposed legislation, The Arizona Republic referred to it as a "nutty birther bill" that would make Arizona seem to be a place where "any crackpot whim can be enshrined in law".[16] Arizona Republican State Representative Cecil Ash, who supported the bill, appeared on CNN's Anderson Cooper 360° to discuss the bill. Ash stated that he believed President Obama was an American citizen, but there has been "a lot of controversy over the issue". Cooper then likened the people who believe there is a birth certificate controversy to people who believe the moon is made of cheese and asked Ash if he knew the moon was not made of cheese without investigation. Ash responded in the affirmative.[17][18]
In January 2011, similar legislation again was introduced in the Arizona House of Representatives.[19] On April 14, 2011 the Arizona legislature passed a bill requiring presidential and vice presidential candidates to show the Arizona secretary of state proof that they are natural-born citizens. Such proof could be either a long-form birth certificate or at least two other forms of accepted proof, such as an early baptismal certificate, circumcision certificate or hospital birth record.[20] On April 18, Governor Jan Brewer vetoed the bill.[21]
A state legislator introduced a similar bill in 2012.[22] In March 2012, a senate committee voted favorably on a bill that would require candidates for the presidency and vice presidency to submit an affidavit attesting to their eligibility to serve.[23]
Colorado
Legislation introduced in April 2011 by 11 Republican state legislators would require any elected official to provide proof of citizenship before being sworn in.[24] The bill was not voted out of committee.[25]
Connecticut
In January 2011, Connecticut state Senator Michael A. McLachlan introduced legislation that would mandate presidential and vice presidential candidates to provide their birth certificates for their names to be placed on the ballot.[26] The bill did not make it out of committee.[27]
Georgia
In April 2010, Georgia state representative Mark Hatfield introduced legislation that would require presidential and vice presidential candidates to submit an affidavit "stating the candidate's citizenship and age and shall append to the affidavit documents that prove the candidate is a natural born citizen, prove the candidate's age, and prove that the candidate meets the residency requirements for President of the United States."[28]
In February 2011, Hatfield again introduced similar legislation, but it was not voted out of committee.[29][30]
Hawaii
In May 2010, Hawaii enacted a law allowing the state to ignore requests for information if deemed "duplicative or substantially similar" to a prior query.[31][32][33][34][35]
In January 2011, Hawaii state representative Rida Cabanilla introduced HB 1116,[36] allowing the Hawaii Department of Health to provide upon request a copy of the birth certificate of a "person of civic prominence", defined as a candidate or officeholder for which United States citizenship is required, and to charge the requesting party a surcharge of $100.[37]
Indiana
In January 2011, Indiana state senator Mike Delph introduced legislation requiring presidential candidates to file a certified copy of a birth certificate along with additional documentation to be on the Indiana ballot.[38] The legislation was not voted out of committee.[39]
Iowa
In March 2011, Iowa state Senator Kent Sorenson introduced legislation that would require presidential or vice presidential candidates to submit certified copies of their birth certificates, which would be available for public inspection.[40]
Kansas
In February 2012, a committee in the Kansas House of Representatives approved a bill that would require candidates for state and federal offices to provide proof of citizenship.[41]
Louisiana
Legislation introduced in April 2011 by state Senator A.G. Crowe and state Representative Alan Seabaugh would require candidates for federal office to file a birth certificate.[42] The legislation was not voted out of committee.[43]
Maine
State representative Richard Cebra introduced legislation requiring candidates to submit a birth certificate and government-issued identification.[44]
Michigan
Legislation introduced in April 2011 by state Representative Mike Callton would require presidential candidates to submit their birth certificates.[45]
Missouri
Proposed constitutional amendment
Fifteen Republican members of the Missouri House of Representatives sponsored an amendment to the Missouri Constitution in March 2009 that would require "candidates who are required by the Constitution of the United States to be natural born citizens" to provide a birth certificate to the Missouri Secretary of State to confirm their eligibility. A "certificate of live birth" (the first unofficial document issued upon a baby's live birth) would not be accepted. Failure to comply would result in the candidate being deemed ineligible to stand. The only political offices to be affected would be the President and Vice President, which are the only two positions for which there is a specific constitutional citizenship requirement. The proposed amendment was part of a "voter's bill of rights", which would serve "as a defense against corruption, fraud, and tyranny". Political commentators interpreted the proposal as being "aimed at advancing the claims of the fringe movement that doubts President Barack Obama's eligibility to serve as president".[46][47] The proposed amendment, House Joint Resolution No. 34, was subsequently withdrawn.[48]
Legislation
In January 2011, Republican State Representative Lyle Rowland introduced legislation that would require "proof of identity and proof of United States citizenship" for all presidential and vice-presidential candidates."[49] In May 2011, the requirement that presidential candidates present proof of natural born citizenship was added but later trimmed from an omnibus election law reform bill.[50] Rowland introduced similar legislation in 2012.[51] On March 29, 2012, the House of Representatives passed legislation that would require presidential or vice presidential candidates to prove their U.S. citizenship before appearing on the ballot.[52] The bill then passed a Missouri senate committee.[53]
Other
A number of Missouri Republican politicians have continued to support claims and litigation on the citizenship issue. State Representatives Cynthia L. Davis, Timothy W. Jones and Casey Guernsey have committed to participating as plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed in Missouri challenging Obama's citizenship.[54] State Representative Edgar G. H. Emery told reporters in July 2009 that he "questions Obama's citizenship and ... believes his alleged lack of a legitimate birth certificate ignores the Constitution."[55]
Montana
In January 2011, Montana state representative Bob Wagner introduced legislation requiring all candidates for federal office file affidavits with the Montana secretary of state verifying that they are qualified; presidential candidates would be required to provide the state with a valid copy of their birth certificates.[56]
Nebraska
Proposed legislation introduced in January 2011 would have required a presidential or vice presidential candidate to provide proof of birth that includes the names of the candidate's parents, and proof that the parents were United States citizens at the time of the candidate's birth; the candidate would also have to swear of affirm, "I was born a citizen of the United States of America and was subject exclusively to the jurisdiction of the United States of America, owing allegiance to no other country at the time of my birth. On the day I was born, both my birth mother and birth father were citizens of the United States of America."[57] The proposed legislation failed to be voted out of committee.[58]
New Hampshire
Legislation introduced in March 2011 would have required presidential candidates to present their birth certificates when filing their nomination papers; the proposed enactment date was changed to 2013 and thus would not have affected the 2012 presidential elections.[59] The proposed legislation was not voted out of committee.[60]
Similar legislation proposed in 2012 also was not voted out of committee.[61]
Oklahoma
Oklahoma Republican state Representative Mike Ritze proposed a bill in December 2008, requiring any candidate for public office in Oklahoma to show proof of citizenship. Ritze declared that he "does not believe Obama submitted an authentic copy of his birth certificate".[62] He also unsuccessfully approached Oklahoma Republican Senators Tom Coburn and James Inhofe to persuade them to mount a challenge to Obama's confirmation by Congress.[63] The bill, House Bill 1329, was criticized by The Norman Transcript newspaper as "an outright attempt to embarrass President Barack Obama whose own citizenship was questioned, mostly by those pajama guerrillas trolling on the Internet".[64] The bill gained a 23–20 vote in favor, but failed to meet the 25-vote threshold required to pass.[65]
In February 2011, similar legislation was reintroduced in the Oklahoma state senate.[66]
Pennsylvania
Legislation introduced in April 2011 by state Representative Daryl Metcalfe would require candidates for president and vice president to provide proof of citizenship to qualify for a spot on the state ballot.[67]
Tennessee
In Tennessee, four Republican state Representatives—Stacey Campfield, Glen Casada, Frank S. Niceley and Eric H. Swafford—announced in February 2009 that they would be joining a legal action to force Obama to release his birth certificate and prove his citizenship. Casada, the Tennessee House Republican caucus chairman, said that he believes Obama has further proof of eligibility, and would like him to make it available: "Yes, people may say, you're just chasing some conspiracy theory ... [but] it's a simple act on his part to just do, and we're done—move on." The alternative newspaper Nashville Scene described Swafford as joining a "wacky legal action" and quoted Tennessee house Democrat Larry Miller as saying: "What is the mentality of these kind of people who continuously make these kind of goofy statements? It's embarrassing." Attorney Orly Taitz of California said she planned to file the suit, representing the Defend Our Freedoms Foundation.[68][69]
Legislation proposed in January 2011 would require anyone running for elected office to furnish a birth certificate before being declared an eligible candidate."[70] It failed to be voted out of a subcommittee.[71]
In January 2016, two Democratic legislators proposed barring the Secretary of State from placing on the ballot any presidential or vice-presidential candidate who was not a natural-born citizen.[72]
Texas
On November 16, 2010, Texas state representative Leo Berman introduced legislation requiring any candidate for president or vice president running in Texas to submit to the Texas Secretary of State an "original birth certificate indicating that the person is a natural-born United States citizen." In introducing the bill, Berman said that the "bill is necessary because we have a president whom the American people don't know whether he was born in Kenya or some other place."[73] His bill would have therefore specifically disallowed the use of the reproduced certificate that Obama used after June 2008 as evidence of birthplace; reproduced certificates are generally accepted by government agencies as proof of birth.[74]
See also
- California Senate Bill 27 (2019), requiring primary election presidential or gubanatorial candidates to release their tax returns in order to appear on the ballot in California.
References
- ↑ Maskell, Jack (January 11, 2016). "Qualifications for President and the "Natural Born" Citizenship Eligibility Requirement" (PDF). Federation of American Scientists. Congressional Research Service. Retrieved March 5, 2021.
- ↑ Peabody, Bruce G.; Gant, Scott E. (February 1999). "The Twice and Future President: Constitutional Interstices and the Twenty-Second Amendment". Minnesota Law Review. 83 (3): 565–635. Archived from the original on January 15, 2013. Retrieved June 12, 2015.
- ↑ Albert, Richard (Winter 2005). "The Evolving Vice Presidency". Temple Law Review. 78 (4): 811–896. Retrieved July 31, 2018 – via Digital Commons @ Boston College Law School.
- ↑ Wolfe, Jan (14 January 2021). "Explainer: Impeachment or the 14th Amendment - Can Trump be barred from future office?". Reuters. Retrieved 1 March 2021.
There is some debate over the scope of the disqualification clause and whether it applies to the presidency, said Brian Kalt, a law professor at Michigan State University. Analyzing historical documents, some law experts say the founders did not intend the presidency to be considered an "office" under the disqualification clause, while others argue that the term applies.
- ↑ Bernstein, Richard D. (4 February 2021). "Lots of People Are Disqualified From Becoming President". The Atlantic. Retrieved 1 March 2021.
In addition to the list of people who are ineligible for reasons of mere demographic chance, the Constitution adds a category of people who cannot be elected as a result of their misdeeds. This category includes presidents (along with vice presidents and federal "civil officers") who are impeached, convicted by two-thirds of the Senate, and disqualified for serious misconduct committed while they were in office.
- ↑ Moreno, Paul. "Articles on Amendment XIV: Disqualification for Rebellion". The Heritage Guide to the Constitution. The Heritage Foundation. Retrieved June 15, 2018.
- ↑ Vlamis, Kelsey. "Here's how the 14th Amendment could be used to prevent Trump from running again". Business Insider. Retrieved 1 March 2021.
- ↑ Smith, Ben (March 13, 2009). "Birther bill hits Congress". Politico.com. Retrieved March 13, 2009.
- ↑ "Bill Summary & Status: 111th Congress (2009 - 2010): H.R.1503". Archived from the original on 2016-02-01. Retrieved 2011-04-05.
- ↑ Beyerle, Dana (April 22, 2011). "DANA BEYERLE: Have senators offered 'birther' bill?". Gadsden Times.
- ↑ "Ariz House: Check Obama's Citizenship". April 19, 2010.
- ↑ "Arizona birthers: No clue, but plenty of company". The Washington Post. April 21, 2010.
- ↑ "Arizona 'birther bill' won't get Senate vote". The Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. Associated Press. April 29, 2010. Retrieved June 7, 2010.
- ↑ "Welcome to the Arizona State Legislature". Phoenix, Arizona: Arizona Legislature. Retrieved June 7, 2010.
The 49th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session Adjourned Sine Die on Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 11:07 p.m.
- ↑ "Bill Status Overview – SB1024". Phoenix, Arizona: Arizona Legislature. Archived from the original on December 11, 2012. Retrieved July 26, 2010.
- ↑ "Lawmakers, bury the 'birther bill'". Editorial. Arizona Republic. April 21, 2010.
- ↑ "Birthers Reemerge; Will Ash Cloud Threat Continue?". Anderson Cooper. CNN. April 21, 2010.
- ↑ "Anderson Cooper Confronts Birther Legislator". Jason Linkins. Huffington Post. April 22, 2010.
- ↑ "'Birther Bill' back in Arizona; Rep. Judy Burges pitches birth certificate legislation again". Michael Sheridan. Daily News. January 26, 2011.
- ↑ Condon, Stephanie (April 15, 2011). ""Birther" bill passes in Arizona legislature". CBS News.
- ↑ "Gov. Brewer Vetoes Birther Bill, Guns on Campus". myfoxphoenix.com. Phoenix: KSAZ-TV. April 18, 2011. Retrieved April 18, 2011.
- ↑ "Political Insider: For Arpaio, all publicity is good". Arizona Republic. December 10, 2011.
- ↑ Powers, Ashley (March 15, 2012). "Arizona Senate panel joins Sheriff Arpaio on 'birther' bandwagon". Los Angeles Times.
- ↑ "GOP introduces 'birther' resolution at state legislature". KDVR. April 25, 2011.
- ↑ ""Birther" bill killed in committee". The Colorado Independent. May 3, 2011.
- ↑ Davis, Stacy (January 31, 2011). "McLachlan sponsors birth certificate bill in Hartford". The News-Times. Danbury, Connecticut: Hearst Corporation. Retrieved February 3, 2011.
- ↑ Perrefort, Dirk (April 26, 2011). "Danbury lawmaker's 'birther' bill dead". The News-Times. Danbury, Connecticut: Hearst Corporation. Retrieved April 26, 2011.
- ↑ Galloway, Jim (April 21, 2010). "A measure to force Obama to address citizenship in 2012". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on February 22, 2011. Retrieved March 1, 2011.
- ↑ Hunt, April (March 1, 2011). "94 Georgia lawmakers back 'birther' bill". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved March 1, 2011.
- ↑ Hunt, April (March 15, 2011). "Birther bill sponsor tries, fails to get vote". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved March 16, 2011.
- ↑ "Hawaii considering law to ignore 'birthers'". NBC News. Associated Press. March 17, 2010. Retrieved February 9, 2011.
- ↑ Niesse, Mark (March 17, 2010). "Hawaii Mulls Law to Ignore Obama 'Birthers'". ABC News. Associated Press. Retrieved February 9, 2011.
- ↑ Sheridan, Michael (May 13, 2010). "Aloha 'Birthers': Hawaii law lets state ignore repeated demands for Obama's birth certificate". Daily News. New York. Retrieved February 9, 2011.
- ↑ "Hawaii State Legislature 2010 Regular Session SB2937 SD1 HD1 CD1".
- ↑ "New Hawaii law shuns Obama birth document requests". KHON-TV. Associated Press. May 12, 2010. Archived from the original on 2011-06-16. Retrieved 2011-04-05.
- ↑ "HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011 STATE OF HAWAII, H.B. NO. 1116". Retrieved February 28, 2019.
- ↑ Niesse, Mark (January 27, 2011). "Hawaii lawmakers want release of Obama birth info". Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Archived from the original on January 29, 2011. Retrieved February 9, 2011.
- ↑ "Social issues return to agenda". Niki Kelly. Journal Gazette. January 9, 2011.
- ↑ "'Birther' bill fails, will be studied again". Ty Jepson. The Exponent. March 11, 2011.
- ↑ Hancock, Jason (March 4, 2011). "'Birther' legislation introduced by Sorenson". Iowa Independent. Archived from the original on March 7, 2011. Retrieved March 7, 2011.
- ↑ Carpenter, Tim (February 15, 2012). "House panel passes bill derided as 'birther' inspired". Topeka Capital-Journal.
- ↑ Moller, Jan (April 18, 2011). "Gov. Jindal will sign 'birther' bill if it reaches his desk". Times-Picayune.
- ↑ Moller, Jan (June 14, 2011). "Author of presidential birth-certificate bill gives up without a hearing". Times-Picayune.
- ↑ Mistler, Steve (February 10, 2011). "Secretary of state backs bill requiring proof of citizenship to run for state office". Sun Journal.
- ↑ McMillin, Zane (April 27, 2011). "Pres. hopefuls could face certificate requirements". State News.
- ↑ Smith, Ben (March 4, 2009). "Missouri Republicans push birth certificate questions to oppose 'tyranny'". Politico.com. Retrieved March 6, 2009.
- ↑ "House Joint Resolution No. 34, 95th General Assembly". Missouri House of Representatives. Retrieved March 6, 2009.
- ↑ "House Joint Resolution No. 34". Retrieved July 6, 2009.
- ↑ "Missouri Republicans Still Concerned With Obama's Citizenship". Fired Up! Missouri. January 21, 2011. Archived from the original on January 27, 2011. Retrieved January 21, 2011.
- ↑ "'Birther' provision removed from election bill". Missouri News Horizon. May 11, 2011. Archived from the original on July 22, 2011. Retrieved May 11, 2011.
- ↑ Shapiro, John (February 15, 2012). "Missouri Lawmaker Says Show Me Your Papers". KMOX. Archived from the original on February 20, 2012. Retrieved February 15, 2012.
- ↑ Crisp, Elizabeth (March 29, 2012). "Missouri House approves "birther" bill". St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
- ↑ Karr, Cole (May 1, 2012). ""Born in the USA" Bill Takes Another Step Forward". KMOX. Archived from the original on May 5, 2012. Retrieved May 2, 2012.
- ↑ Noble, Jason (July 1, 2009). "Orly Taitz questions Obama's citizenship in Jeff City; receives support from 5 state lawmakers". Prime Buzz blog. Kansas City Star. Archived from the original on July 5, 2009. Retrieved July 6, 2009.
- ↑ Messenger, Tony (July 1, 2009). "Missouri Republicans continue to question Obama citizenship". Political Fix blog. St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved July 6, 2009.
- ↑ "Montana Lawmaker Introduces 'Birther' Bill". Kellyn Brown. Flathead Beacon. January 26, 2011.
- ↑ Weigel, David (February 3, 2011). "The Trouble with Birther Bills". Slate. Retrieved February 3, 2011.
- ↑ Schulte, Grant (March 11, 2011). "Neb. legislative committee kills bill requiring birth certificates for presidential hopefuls". The Republic. Associated Press. Archived from the original on March 15, 2011. Retrieved March 11, 2011.
- ↑ Smith, Ben (March 9, 2011). "N.H. birther bill defanged". Politico. Retrieved March 9, 2011.
- ↑ "Birther Bill Surfaces (and Dies) in New Hampshire (UPDATED)". Mother Jones. Retrieved 2019-08-27.
- ↑ Spolar, Matthew (February 15, 2012). "Committee votes down birther bill". Concord Monitor.
- ↑ McNutt, Michael (December 12, 2008). "Law sought to prove candidate citizenship in Oklahoma". The Oklahoman. Oklahoma City. Retrieved December 12, 2008.
- ↑ Weigel, David (January 8, 2009). "GOP Senators Give Hope to Anti-Obama Activists". Washington Independent. Archived from the original on 2009-01-17. Retrieved January 9, 2009.
- ↑ "Oklahoma's department of frivolous". The Norman Transcript. Norman, Oklahoma. February 14, 2009. Archived from the original on September 9, 2012. Retrieved February 14, 2009.
- ↑ "Bill to require citizenship proof fails". The Edmond Sun. Associated Press. April 29, 2009.
- ↑ Bar, Andy (February 14, 2011). "Birther debate alive across U.S." Politico. Retrieved February 14, 2011.
- ↑ Latimer, John (April 14, 2011). "Local reps support birth certificate bill". Lebanon Daily News.
- ↑ Emery, Theo (February 13, 2009). "Four Tennessee legislators want Obama to prove citizenship". The Tennessean. Nashville. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
- ↑ Woods, Jeff (February 12, 2009). "Democrats Ridicule Lawmaker for Demanding Obama's Birth Certificate". Nashville Scene. Archived from the original on February 15, 2009. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
- ↑ Daly, Kyle (February 17, 2011). "Birther bills flood state houses across USA, somehow avoiding Colorado". The Colorado Independent. Retrieved February 17, 2011.
- ↑ "Editorial: Two misguided bills crash in Nashville". Knoxville News Sentinel. April 5, 2011. Retrieved April 6, 2011.
- ↑ "Tennessee Dems want eligibility check on presidential ballot". WRCB. Associated Press. January 22, 2016. Archived from the original on January 24, 2016. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
- ↑ Enrique Rangel; Terry Greenberg (November 17, 2010). "State representatives file birth certificate bill filed for presidential candidates". Lubbock Avalanche Journal. Retrieved 2010-11-28.
- ↑ Weigel, David (November 17, 2010). "Texas Republican Files Birther Bill". Slate. Archived from the original on December 20, 2010. Retrieved 2010-11-28.