No Democrat in Congress supported exclusive citizen voting for federal elections
Democrats’ Witnesses Unable to Clearly State Position on Non-Citizen Voting
During a Senate Judiciary Hearing on the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, Republican Utah Sen. Mike Lee posed a series of questions to the witnesses regarding non-citizens voting in federal elections. However, none of the Democratic witnesses were able to definitively state that they believe only citizens should be able to vote.
The Executive Director of The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Damon T. Hewitt, responded by saying, ”We don’t have a position about non-citizens voting in federal elections, we believe that’s what the current laws are, and so we’re certainly fighting for everyone who is eligible under current law to vote.”
Lydia Camarillo, President of Southwest Voter Registration Education Project, emphasized that the decision of who should vote in federal elections is determined by state law. She added, “I believe that we should be encouraging people to naturalize and then vote.”
When pressed by Sen. Lee about whether the federal government should have a say in who votes in a federal election, Camarillo responded, “I don’t have a position on that.”
Sophia Lin Lakin, Director of the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project, stated that federal law prohibits non-citizens from voting in federal elections, and their focus is on enabling all eligible voters to cast their ballot.
Only two witnesses, Maureen Riordan from the Public Interest Legal Foundation and Hans von Spakovsky from the Heritage Foundation, both Republicans, firmly stated that they do not believe non-citizens should be able to vote.
Sen. Lee also asked the witnesses whether people registering to vote should provide documentary proof of their citizenship. Hewitt responded by emphasizing the impact of asking for proof of citizenship, while Camarillo called the question redundant, stating that it is already being asked.
Currently, federal law only requires voters to check a box indicating their U.S. citizenship on a form, without providing any proof. Lakin argued that asking for documentary proof of citizenship is often discriminatory.
Sen. Lee expressed his concern that not all witnesses could simply answer “yes” to both of his questions. The John Lewis Voting Rights Act aims to federalize all elections, giving the U.S. Justice Department the power to intervene in state and local election laws. This has raised concerns that requiring proof of citizenship or an ID to vote could be deemed discriminatory by left-wing allies.
A recent federal court ruling in Arizona upheld the state’s law requiring individuals to prove their U.S. citizenship in order to vote, stating that Arizona’s interests in preventing non-citizens from voting outweigh the burden on voters to provide proof of citizenship.
About the Author:
Brianna Lyman is an elections correspondent at The Federalist.
What are the potential consequences of allowing non-citizens to vote in federal elections?
And become citizens so that they can participate fully in our democracy.”
These responses raise significant concerns about the Democratic Party’s stance on non-citizen voting and the integrity of our elections. Voting is a fundamental right that is reserved for citizens, and it is crucial that those who participate in our democratic process are fully committed to the values and principles of our nation.
Allowing non-citizens to vote in federal elections not only undermines the integrity of our democracy but also dilutes the power of American citizens. Citizenship represents a shared bond, a commitment to upholding the laws and values of our nation, and a dedication to the principles upon which our democracy is built.
The hesitation of Democratic witnesses to clearly state their position on non-citizen voting raises concerns about their priorities and their commitment to protecting our democratic institutions. To maintain the trust of the American people, it is essential that our elected officials and those advocating for voting rights unequivocally support the principle that only citizens should have the right to vote in federal elections.
Additionally, the notion that the decision of who can vote in federal elections is solely determined by state law is deeply problematic. While states do have the authority to set certain voting regulations, the fundamental principle of citizenship should be upheld and protected at the federal level. Non-citizens voting in federal elections undermines the very foundation of our democracy and the principles upon which our nation was built.
It is crucial that we prioritize the integrity of our elections and protect the rights and privileges that come with citizenship. Allowing non-citizens to vote in federal elections not only opens the door to potential abuse and fraud but also diminishes the voice and impact of American citizens.
The role of our elected officials and advocacy groups is to safeguard our democratic institutions and uphold the principles that make our nation strong. Part of this responsibility includes ensuring that the voting process remains fair, secure, and accessible while upholding the principle that voting is a right reserved for citizens.
Therefore, it is concerning that the Democratic witnesses in the Senate Judiciary Hearing were unable to clearly affirm that only citizens should be able to vote in federal elections. This uncertainty raises questions about the Democratic Party’s commitment to the integrity of our elections and the rights of American citizens.
Moving forward, it is imperative that we have a robust and honest debate about the importance of citizenship and the principles that underpin our democracy. It is through open dialogue and a commitment to upholding the values of our nation that we can ensure the continued strength and integrity of our electoral process.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...