Noncitizen Voting Debate Intensifies Across States
By Shirleen Guerra (The Center Square)
As the November elections approach, the debate around noncitizen voting is gaining momentum, with several states initiating legislative efforts on the matter.
Back in 1996, Congress passed a law that prohibited noncitizens from voting in federal elections for the U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, and presidential elections. While this federal law clearly outlines the illegality of noncitizen voting in federal elections, it leaves the decision on noncitizen voting in state or local elections up to individual states.
Currently, state laws on noncitizen voting vary, with some aligning with the federal law while others have different regulations. This has led to a mix of ballot measures in eight states this fall, either banning or allowing noncitizens to vote in state or local elections.
The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act), introduced by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, aimed to require proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration. However, the bill has faced hurdles in the Senate, where Democrats hold the majority.
States like Arizona, Colorado, North Dakota, Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, and Ohio explicitly prohibit noncitizen voting in their constitutions. On the other hand, jurisdictions such as California, Maryland, and Vermont allow noncitizens to vote in certain elections.
Recent developments in states like Frederick, Maryland, where noncitizens are allowed to participate in upcoming elections, contrast with cases like that in Iowa, where individuals without citizenship are being prosecuted for illegal voting.
The issue of noncitizen voting has sparked discussions in various forums, including a recent hearing by the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government on “The Biden-Harris Border Crisis: Noncitizen Voting.”
With concerns raised about voter fraud and the integrity of election systems, efforts are being made in states like Oklahoma and Texas to ensure voter eligibility and integrity through the removal of ineligible voters and requests for citizenship status data from the federal government.
The debate on noncitizen voting continues to evolve, with states grappling with differing laws and regulations, highlighting the need for clarity and consistency in electoral processes.
Syndicated with permission from The Center Square.
