Birther Bills Introduced in 10 States

The birther debate is alive and well, as evidenced by bills introduced in at least 10 states that would require presidential candidates to provide proof of their natural-born citizenship. Some lawmakers who have proposed such bills say they still don’t know whether or not President Barack Obama was born in the US, and that their bills are intended to ensure another such controversy doesn’t arise in the future. Others were influenced by different concerns, such as illegal immigration, Politico reports.

If the bills pass, states could potentially kick any candidate who doesn’t comply off the presidential ballot, say election law attorneys, although a legal challenge would likely follow. Connecticut, Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, and Missouri are among the states that have introduced birther-type legislation, though many acknowledge the bills may have trouble getting through the state Senate. The bills differ in terms of how proof would be provided: Some require the secretary of state to view the original birth certificate; others require an affidavit with documentation of the candidate’s name and place of birth.