By AP
Nashville, TN – A proposal that would require prospective voters in Tennessee to provide proof of citizenship before registering to vote has passed the state Senate. The measure sponsored by Republican Senator Dewayne Bunch was approved 20-12 Monday. It is different than the companion bill that passed the House 92-1 last week. That version would only require prospective voters to check a box to affirm they are citizens. Bunch says the stricter legislation is needed to "protect the integrity of our elections." But opponents say the measure would actually discourage people from registering.