House Republicans Push for Ban Amid Controversy Of Non-Citizen Voting in Washington, D.C

House Republicans are set to vote on legislation aimed at prohibiting non-citizens from voting in Washington, D.C. This move comes after it was revealed that nearly 500 non-citizens are currently registered to vote in the capital.

Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the significance of this bill, suggesting that its potential failure would reveal a preference among some Democrats for non-citizen participation in elections.

The Issue of Non-Citizen Voters

On May 15, a letter from D.C. Board of Election Chair Gary Thompson disclosed that 489 non-citizens are registered to vote in the district.

This situation arose after the D.C. City Council amended its code in 2023, permitting non-citizens, including undocumented individuals, to vote in local elections.

While federal law prohibits non-citizens from voting in federal elections, the local amendment has sparked significant debate and controversy.

Differentiating Ballots for Non-Citizens

One major concern raised by Republicans is how election officials can ensure non-citizen voters only receive ballots for local elections.

Thompson assured that their system could generate unique ballots for non-citizens, excluding federal contests, similar to how primary ballots are differentiated by party.

Republican Leaders Speak Out

Majority Leader Steve Scalise voiced strong opposition to non-citizens voting, questioning the rationale behind allowing foreign nationals, such as those from Russia or China, to participate in U.S. elections.

Scalise’s remarks underscore the broader Republican argument against non-citizen voting, suggesting it undermines the integrity of American elections.

D.C. Delegate’s Response

Rep. Eleanor Holmes-Norton, the non-voting delegate for D.C. in Congress, criticized the proposed bill, arguing that D.C. laws should be determined by the elected D.C. Council and mayor, not by Congress members who do not represent D.C. residents.

Holmes-Norton emphasized that D.C.’s nearly 700,000 residents are capable of managing their own local affairs.

The Great Replacement Theory and Republican Concerns

In recent days, Republicans have amplified their claims regarding the Great Replacement Theory, which suggests that Democrats support illegal immigration to dilute the voting power of U.S. citizens and influence the census.

Speaker Johnson echoed these sentiments, asserting that Democrats want illegal aliens in the country to eventually become voters and impact congressional reapportionment.

Legislative Efforts and Federal Restrictions

The proposed bill is part of a broader Republican effort to enforce restrictions on non-citizen voting at the federal level. Federal law currently prohibits requiring documentary proof of citizenship for voting, although states like Arizona mandate it for state elections.

The SAVE Act, championed by Rep. Chip Roy and supported by Johnson and former President Donald Trump, aims to compel election officials to verify citizenship status.

The Challenge of Proving Non-Citizen Voting

Johnson acknowledged the difficulty of proving non-citizen voting in federal elections but stressed the importance of the proposed legislation in addressing this issue. He noted that while there is an intuitive belief that many non-citizens are voting, concrete evidence is hard to obtain.

Existing Legal Framework and Penalties

Non-citizens who vote in federal and state elections are already breaking the law and risk jail or deportation.

Although some municipalities in California, Maryland, and Vermont allow illegal immigrants to vote in local elections, the new bill aims to close loopholes and impose stricter requirements.

These include mandatory proof of citizenship, the removal of unlawful immigrants from voter rolls, and severe penalties for election officials who register non-citizens.

Skepticism and the Reality of Voter Fraud

Despite the heightened rhetoric, there is little evidence that non-citizen voting significantly impacts election outcomes. Unlawful immigrants generally avoid providing personal information due to fear of immigration authorities.

A study sampling over 1 billion ballots from 2002 to 2022 found fewer than 100 cases of voter fraud, indicating that illegal voting by undocumented immigrants is rare.

Conclusion: The Debate Continues

As House Republicans prepare to vote on this contentious legislation, the debate over non-citizen voting highlights broader issues of election integrity and immigration policy.

While the bill’s passage in the Senate seems unlikely, it represents a critical moment in the ongoing discussion about who should have the right to vote in American elections and how to ensure the fairness and security of the electoral process.

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