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.
Noncitizens today vote legally in 24 cities in four states and our nation’s capital. Federal election law begins with Article 1 of the Constitution, which gives states the responsibility of determining who is eligible to vote in federal elections.
The only real reason noncitizen voting in federal elections is against the law is that no state has made it legal. Yet.
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
We recognize that the factual basis of our cause can be jarring or surprising for some to hear. Along with our own education campaigning, we have joined and contributed to media platforms from political podcasts to the Wall Street Journal.
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