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Republican leaders have focused more on the problem of noncitizen voting amid increased immigration fears, despite data indicating that these instances are uncommon. This closer examination is a part of a larger GOP effort to remedy what they see as possible weaknesses in the American electoral system.
The debate has gained momentum with Republicans citing the recent influx of immigrants at the U.S.-Mexico border as a catalyst for their actions. They have launched a variety of initiatives to prevent noncitizens from voting, including comprehensive reviews of voter rolls, executive orders, and proposed constitutional amendments in several states. This focus is evident in states like Texas, Ohio, and Alabama, where officials have reported instances of potential noncitizens being flagged or removed from voter registration lists. For example, Texas Governor Greg Abbott revealed that more than 6,500 individuals had been removed from the state’s voter rolls since 2021 due to suspected noncitizen status. However, these figures represent a small fraction of the millions of registered voters in these states.
Despite these efforts, noncitizen voting is exceedingly rare. U.S. law explicitly prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections, with violators facing fines, imprisonment, and even deportation. Furthermore, when individuals register to vote, they must confirm under penalty of perjury that they are U.S. citizens. Federal and state laws mandate regular maintenance of voter rolls to ensure that ineligible individuals are removed.
Nevertheless, some states have begun to consider or enact measures to further tighten voting regulations. For instance, Republican-led legislatures in eight states are proposing constitutional amendments to explicitly state that only U.S. citizens can vote. These proposals aim to clarify and strengthen existing laws, although critics argue that they may create unnecessary hurdles for legitimate voters.
In Arizona, a 2004 voter-approved initiative requires proof of citizenship for state and local elections but not for federal elections. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2013 that Arizona cannot impose additional proof requirements for federal elections. Recently, the Supreme Court ordered that voter registration forms submitted without documentary proof of citizenship can be rejected while litigation continues.
Republicans are pushing the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act at the federal level, which would require citizenship documentation in order to register to vote. The Republican-controlled House approved the plan in July, but the Democratic-led Senate is opposed to it. Opponents of the measure, including the Biden administration, contend that it might disenfranchise eligible voters and create needless obstacles to voter registration.
As the election approaches, the debate over noncitizen voting continues to be a contentious issue. While Republicans argue that their measures are necessary to ensure the integrity of the electoral system, critics caution that the focus on noncitizen voting may distract from more pressing electoral issues and could potentially undermine the voting rights of U.S. citizens.
The discussion reflects broader tensions in American politics over immigration, voting rights, and election security, highlighting the need for balanced approaches that address legitimate concerns while safeguarding the rights of all eligible voters.