Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit persons who are not citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents of the United States from voting in elections.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jan 31, 2025
Bottom line
This resolution seeks to amend the U.S. Constitution to restrict voting rights exclusively to U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents, thereby preventing non-citizens from participating in any level of U.S. elections.
What it actually does
This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the United States Constitution that would explicitly prohibit any person who is not a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, or a lawful permanent resident from voting in any election for Federal, State, Tribal, or local office, including those in the District of Columbia or U.S. territories and possessions. It also grants Congress the power to enforce this prohibition through appropriate legislation.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that voting is a fundamental right and privilege reserved for citizens, and that allowing non-citizens to vote dilutes the political power of citizens, undermines national sovereignty, and compromises the integrity of elections. They contend that this amendment would clarify and secure the sanctity of the ballot for those with a permanent allegiance to the nation.
Opponents contend
Opponents argue that this amendment is largely unnecessary given that most jurisdictions already restrict non-citizen voting, and that it could be seen as discriminatory or a step backward from local efforts to expand participation in some elections, particularly for local issues affecting residents. Some may also argue that lawful permanent residents pay taxes and contribute to society, and thus should have a say in local governance.
The bill text is extremely short and clear, making it very accessible for a quick read and understanding.
Article-- Sections 1 and 2
Prohibiting Non-Citizen Voting in All Elections
This provision proposes a new article to the Constitution that would explicitly state that only U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or persons lawfully accorded the privilege of permanent residence in the United States may vote in any election for Federal, State, Tribal, or local office, including those in the District of Columbia or U.S. territories and possessions. It also grants Congress the power to enforce this article through appropriate legislation, ensuring a uniform national standard for voter eligibility across all levels of government.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this amendment clarifies and secures the sanctity of the ballot for citizens, ensuring that only those with a permanent stake and allegiance to the nation participate in its governance. They believe it protects the integrity of elections and the principle of national sovereignty, preventing any local deviations from this fundamental principle.
Critics contend
Opponents contend that this amendment is largely redundant as most jurisdictions already restrict non-citizen voting, and that it could preempt local decisions in areas where non-citizens currently vote in certain elections (e.g., school board elections). They might argue it is an unnecessary federal intrusion into state and local election administration, disenfranchising tax-paying residents.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between the principle of national sovereignty and citizen-exclusive voting rights versus local autonomy to determine voter eligibility for local elections, and the potential for disenfranchisement of long-term, tax-paying residents who are not citizens or lawful permanent residents but contribute to their communities.