A constitutional amendment to set a clear and permanent requirement that only United States citizens may vote in federal elections has been proposed by U.S. Reps. Laurel Lee (R-FL) and Julia Letlow (R-LA).
The congresswomen on March 19 joined four other Republicans to introduce House Joint Resolution 152, which would codify in the United States Constitution that only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote in elections for president, vice president, and members of Congress.
“For generations, Americans have shared a clear and common understanding: voting in federal elections is a right reserved for United States citizens,” said Rep. Lee, who sponsored the resolution. “While current federal law reflects that consensus, the Constitution itself does not explicitly require citizenship for voting in federal elections.
“This amendment provides the clarity and permanence needed to ensure that this fundamental principle is protected,” added the lawmaker.
Under current law, federal statute prohibits non-citizens from voting in federal elections. However, federal law alone is not permanent and it can be repealed, weakened, or challenged, with the Constitution leaving voter qualifications primarily to the states.
As a result, the current framework does not guarantee a lasting nationwide standard, according to a summary provided by the lawmakers.
“Only Americans should vote in American elections,” said bill cosponsor Rep. Letlow. “By enacting a constitutional amendment banning non-citizens from voting, we can secure our elections and give the American people confidence at the ballot box.”
“Relying on statute alone leaves this principle subject to future changes that could undermine this long-standing principle,” Rep. Lee pointed out. “This amendment ensures that no matter what happens in Washington or at the state level, federal elections will remain reserved for United States citizens.”
According to the summary, the amendment would not alter state authority over state or local elections, nor change existing constitutional protections related to voting rights, including those based on race, sex, or age.
The measure is under consideration by the U.S. House Judiciary Committee.