Reps. Jared Golden of Maine and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington join bipartisan effort to prevent noncitizens from voting in U.S. elections.
In a significant move ahead of the November presidential election, two moderate House Democrats have joined a bipartisan push to crack down on noncitizens voting in U.S. elections. Reps. Jared Golden (D-Maine) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) have signed onto legislation being spearheaded by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.).
The pair of Democrat lawmakers' support is crucial, as a similar bill to repeal Washington, D.C.'s policy allowing noncitizens to vote in local elections was vehemently opposed by the progressive left but ultimately passed with support from 52 Democrats. The current bill aims to go further by threatening the federal funding of states that allow noncitizens to vote in state and local elections.
Moderate House Democrats Back Bill to Crack Down on Noncitizen Voting
Rep. Golden argued that the right to vote in the United States is "a right reserved for citizens alone," while Rep. Perez stressed the importance of upholding the principle that decisions made for the country should be made by citizens. The bill also expands voting access for Americans by requiring states to allow voters not affiliated with a political party to participate in primary elections.
The bill's introduction comes amid Republican accusations that the Biden administration's border and immigration policies are fueling the ongoing migrant crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. Some Republicans have raised concerns that this could lead to illegal immigrants voting in American elections.
Moderate House Democrats Back Bill to Crack Down on Noncitizen Voting
However, the bill focuses primarily on preventing noncitizens from voting, which is already illegal. It does not address concerns about illegal immigrants attempting to vote.
Earlier this month, House GOP leaders ushered through legislation that would require proof of citizenship in the voter registration process. That bill, backed by former President Trump, passed with support from five Democrats but has not been taken up by the Senate.
Moderate House Democrats Back Bill to Crack Down on Noncitizen Voting
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has also rolled out a separate election integrity package at a press conference with former President Trump. This package passed the House and includes measures to strengthen voter ID requirements and expand poll watcher access.
The bipartisan support for the bill to restrict noncitizen voting suggests growing concern about the integrity of U.S. elections. With the midterm elections approaching, both Democrats and Republicans are seeking to reassure voters that their votes will be counted fairly.
Moderate House Democrats Back Bill to Crack Down on Noncitizen Voting
The bill is still in its early stages and faces an uncertain path forward. However, it represents a significant effort to address concerns about noncitizen voting and protect the integrity of the electoral process.
