More than a dozen local municipalities across the United States allow undocumented immigrants to vote in their elections. While federal law does not prohibit noncitizens, including visa holders or otherwise undocumented immigrants, from voting in local elections — several states, including Alabama, have made it explicitly illegal.
U.S. Senator Katie Britt and U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer want to make that the law of the land.
Britt introduced “The Citizen Ballot Protection Act” to codify individual states’ ability to require proof of voters’ American citizenship when they register. Palmer introduced companion legislation in the House.
“Voting in our country is a sacred right that must solely be limited to American citizens. To allow States to uphold this principle should be simple commonsense,” said Britt (R-Montgomery). “We are seeing certain cities across our nation begin to openly allow noncitizens to vote in local elections.”
Britt said allowing illegals to vote in federal elections will cause actual Americans to lose faith in the voting process.
RELATED: Britt, GOP Senators fight to ‘expose’ Biden’s catch-and-release policy
“It should not be controversial that States have the legal right to prevent noncitizens – including illegal migrants and official representatives of foreign adversaries – from voting in State and Federal elections.”
“I’m proud to work with Representative Palmer and my Senate colleagues to ensure that we pass this legislation and stand up for the right of Americans – and only Americans – to vote in American elections.”
Britt and Palmer have been outspoken critics of the Biden Administration’s soft posture on illegal immigration, routinely sounding the alarm on a porous border and relaxed policies about sending those who come here illegally back home.
RELATED: Palmer ‘very concerned’ about terrorists crossing the border
Rep. Palmer (R-Hoover) said those glaring issues, along with a system failure to keep non-Americans from voting in American elections, is “unacceptable.”
“The American people deserve an election system with impeccable integrity. I am glad Senator Britt is joining me in offering a solution to protect the vote of American citizens,” Palmer said.
“Her companion legislation will help stop the steady march toward allowing noncitizens to vote in elections around the country. Allowing noncitizens the ability to vote creates endless opportunities for fraud, which will counteract restoring faith in the American election process.
“This is unacceptable. I look forward to seeing our bills pass in both chambers of Congress,” Palmer said.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.