State conservatives demand action on noncitizen voting: ‘Time for Congress to listen’

Conservatives in states across the U.S. are calling on Congress to address noncitizen voting in federal elections, expressing concerns about the extent of the issue. Twelve state chairs of their respective State Freedom Caucuses, part of the State Freedom Caucus Network, are advocating for the passage of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act.
The SAVE Act, reintroduced by Rep. Chip Roy and Sen. Mike Lee, requires states to verify U.S. citizenship and identity in person when registering individuals to vote. It also mandates the removal of noncitizens from voter rolls and allows citizens to take legal action against officials who do not comply with the law.
While only citizens are eligible to vote in federal elections, Republicans argue that noncitizen and illegal immigrant registration is difficult to prevent due to the issuance of driver’s licenses and other benefits to noncitizens in some states. These benefits can inadvertently lead to noncitizens being registered to vote.
The surge in illegal immigration and the lack of oversight over noncitizens living in the country have heightened concerns about noncitizen voting. Critics of the push for stricter voting regulations argue that instances of noncitizen voting are rare and already illegal. However, state chairs emphasize the need for safeguards given the current influx of migrants and efforts to increase voter registration.
The State Freedom Caucus Network, supported by the House Freedom Caucus, aims to align state parties with conservative principles. State chairs stress the importance of secure elections, with South Carolina Freedom Caucus Chairman Jordan Pace highlighting efforts to enhance election security in the state. Arizona Freedom Caucus Chairman Jake Hoffman underscores the importance of federal legislation, such as the SAVE Act, to prevent illegal registration of noncitizens.
As Congress addresses issues related to illegal immigration, the passage of the Laken Riley Act in the House and Senate signals a bipartisan focus on combating illegal immigration. The Act mandates the detention of illegal immigrants charged with theft-related crimes.
In conclusion, the push for legislation to address noncitizen voting reflects ongoing concerns about election integrity. State chairs emphasize the need for federal laws to prevent illegal registration of noncitizens and ensure the security of the ballot box. With Congress and the incoming administration prioritizing immigration issues, the debate over noncitizen voting is likely to continue.