Most people assume that in order to vote in the United States a person must be a citizen of the United States. However, that isn’t always the case.
U.S. election laws date back to Article 1 of the Constitution. This gave states the responsibility of overseeing federal elections.
Unless a state’s constitution specifically states that only citizens can vote, the possibility of non-citizens legally voting exists.
To ensure that only U.S. citizens vote in federal elections, the only certain protection is a federal constitutional amendment. Otherwise, individual states will be free under our current constitutional system to allow noncitizens to vote in federal elections.
Ensuring Americans have confidence in our election system is a top priority of mine, and one of the most effective ways we can do that is by guaranteeing that… only citizens are voting in federal elections because the vast majority of Americans believe that only U.S. citizens should vote in our elections.
U.S. Representative (R-FL15)
It’s simple: only Americans should vote in American elections. Congresswoman Lee’s amendment is a common sense proposal that creates a uniform, nationwide standard that will protect federal elections permanently
U.S. Representative (R-OH04)
I believe in something simple: only American citizens should vote in American elections. That’s how we keep our democracy strong and ensure every vote counts how it should.
U.S. Representative (D-TX28)
I just signed off on a joint resolution to make it crystal clear under the Texas Constitution that if you are not a citizen of the United States of America, you are not allowed to vote in Texas.
Texas Governor
For me, it seems pretty reasonable to say you should have to be a citizen to vote in elections.
Iowa State Representative, 90th District
I think that being on a jury pool is very important. You have to be an American citizen to be on a jury anywhere in America. Does it not make sense that a more… precious right, the right to vote, should require American citizens only to be able to exercise that right to vote?
Georgia Secretary of State
I’m happy to pass this much-needed amendment out of the House to further ensure that the constitutional right to vote here in Kansas is left to citizens only… Here in Kansas, we will join other states that have passed similar amendments that set a clear standard for citizens-only voting. This amendment is truly a great step forward for election integrity and security.
Kansas House Speaker, 100th District
I do not support noncitizens voting in American elections – and that’s common sense to folks in Southwest Washington.
U.S. Representative (D-WA03)
American elections are for American citizens only.
U.S. Representative (R-WI01)
I believe that voting is a privilege that comes with being a U.S. citizen. As such, I do not think noncitizens should vote in elections.
U.S. Representative (D-CT05)
Voting in our country is a sacred right that must solely be limited to American citizens.
U.S. Senator (R-Alabama)
The right to vote, which is a cornerstone of our democracy, is a distinct honor and privilege granted to American citizens.
U.S. Senator (R-West Virginia)
The right to vote in American elections should be exclusive to American citizens.
U.S. Representative (D-ME02)
I am proud to support Congresswoman Laurel Lee’s effort to safeguard the integrity of our elections and ensure that the voices of American citizens are protected for generations to come.
U.S. Representative (R-FL08)
States also get to decide who may vote in federal elections, which include presidential and congressional elections.
Prof. of Law, Quinnipiac University
The U.S. Constitution does not grant an explicit “right to vote.” Instead, it assumes voting exists and regulates who decides voter qualifications. For elections to Congress, the Constitution ties federal voter qualifications to those used for each state’s own legislature.
Some assume Congress can simply legislate citizenship requirements for federal elections. Supreme Court precedent strongly suggests otherwise.
History reinforces this constitutional reading. At various points in American history, many states allowed non-citizens to vote, including in federal elections.
“For generations, Americans have shared a clear and common understanding: voting in federal elections is a...
