House Approves Repeal of D.C. Noncitizen Voting Law

The House passed legislation on Thursday to overturn a District of Columbia law allowing noncitizens to vote in local elections, sparking a heated debate between Republicans and Democrats. The bill, which is unlikely to make it through the Democratic-led Senate or be signed into law by President Biden, has become a focal point for Republicans looking to amplify false claims of widespread illegal voting by immigrants, a narrative pushed by former President Donald J. Trump.

Republicans argue that allowing noncitizens to vote is a dangerous precedent that could lead to voter fraud, while Democrats believe that immigrants should have voting rights regardless of their status, as they contribute to local economies and communities. The vote to roll back the D.C. voting law was 262 to 143, with 52 Democrats joining Republicans in support.

Despite there being no evidence of noncitizens casting ballots in the 2020 presidential election, Republicans continue to raise concerns about the possibility, citing the surge in migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. They argue that even a small number of illegal votes could sway a presidential election.

The debate over noncitizen voting rights highlights the ongoing battle over election laws and infrastructure in the lead-up to the general election in November. With tensions running high on both sides, the issue is likely to remain a key point of contention in the political landscape.