Kentucky, Missouri, and Wisconsin voters decisively ban noncitizen voting, igniting a nationwide trend in election integrity measures.
At a Glance
- Eight states considered constitutional amendments to prohibit noncitizen voting
- Kentucky, Missouri, and Wisconsin passed measures banning noncitizen voting
- Similar amendments have been approved in Louisiana, Ohio, Florida, and Alabama
- Republicans maintain control of Wisconsin Legislature despite redistricting efforts
- Critics argue these measures could create barriers for legal voters
A Growing National Movement
In a sweeping display of voter sentiment, constitutional amendments banning noncitizen voting have gained significant traction across the United States. Kentucky, Missouri, and Wisconsin recently joined a growing list of states taking decisive action to ensure that only U.S. citizens have the right to participate in elections. This trend reflects a broader push for election integrity that has been building momentum in recent years.
The movement to explicitly prohibit noncitizen voting in state constitutions has seen remarkable success. Louisiana, Ohio, Florida, Alabama, Colorado, and North Dakota have already passed similar measures by substantial margins. With the addition of Kentucky, Missouri, and Wisconsin, the message is clear: American voters are overwhelmingly in favor of reserving the franchise for citizens alone.
In Missouri, voters approved a constitutional amendment to ban ranked-choice voting (RCV) and prohibit the state or local governments from allowing noncitizens to vote. As of 11:09 PM, the vote was 67.3% to 32.7%.
— Ballotpedia (@ballotpedia) November 6, 2024
The Stakes: Preserving Electoral Integrity
Proponents of these amendments argue that they are crucial for maintaining the integrity of our democratic process. With an estimated 21.7 million noncitizens residing in the U.S. as of 2022, the potential for non-citizen voting is a concern for many. This worry is compounded by the fact that 18 states and the District of Columbia issue driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants, and noncitizens legally authorized to work can obtain Social Security numbers.
“Voters have delivered an unmistakable message: Wisconsin elections will be decided by U.S. citizens, not far-left activists who would turn the ballot box into a petri dish for extremist policies.” – state Republican Party Chair Brian Schimming
Election integrity advocates point out the challenges of maintaining separate voter lists for citizens and noncitizens, especially given that some local jurisdictions in California, Illinois, Maryland, and Vermont allow non-U.S. citizens to vote in local elections. These constitutional amendments aim to create a clear, statewide standard that leaves no room for ambiguity.
Republican Success and Legislative Control
The passage of these amendments coincides with continued Republican success in state legislatures. In Wisconsin, for example, the GOP maintained control of both chambers despite new district boundaries that were supposed to favor Democrats. This political landscape has allowed conservatives to implement their policy agenda, including measures like the constitutional amendment barring noncitizen voting.
The Republican-controlled House of Representatives has also taken action at the federal level, passing the SAVE Act, which would require proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration. This move aligns with the state-level trend and demonstrates a coordinated effort to address concerns about election security.
Criticism and Concerns
While these measures have gained widespread support, they are not without critics. Democrats and voting rights advocates argue that such amendments could inadvertently create barriers for legal voters and exaggerate the issue of noncitizen voting, which they say is rare. They warn that overzealous implementation could lead to the disenfranchisement of eligible voters, particularly those from marginalized communities.
Despite these concerns, the trend towards explicitly banning noncitizen voting in state constitutions shows no signs of slowing. As more states consider similar measures, the debate over the balance between election security and voter accessibility is likely to intensify. What remains clear is that the American electorate is sending a strong message about who they believe should have the right to participate in the democratic process.
