National Politics | GOP Pushes to Make Noncitizen Voting Illegal

May 11, 2024, 9:35 pm
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In the realm of national politics, the GOP is making a big push to outlaw noncitizen voting in local elections. The fear of the Biden administration's open border policies is fueling this movement, with concerns about election integrity adding to the fire. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson is leading the charge, emphasizing the need for proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections. This political strategy, rooted in demographic fears, may galvanize GOP voters in the short term, but its long-term effectiveness remains in question.

Noncitizens are currently allowed to vote in some local elections in select cities and towns in California, Maryland, and Vermont, as well as the District of Columbia. However, the number of noncitizen voters remains relatively small, with strict measures in place to prevent them from participating in statewide or national elections. Despite the low turnout among noncitizens, concerns about voter fraud persist, fueled by baseless claims from former President Donald Trump.

While the debate over noncitizen voting at the local level continues, there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud among noncitizens nationally. Efforts to prevent noncitizen voting are gaining momentum in states like Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, and West Virginia, with proposed amendments to state constitutions to restrict voting to U.S. citizens only. Advocates argue that allowing noncitizens to vote dilutes the voice of American citizens and undermines the nature of citizenship.

In the midst of this political turmoil, the fate of FDIC chair Martin Gruenberg hangs in the balance. A recent investigation revealed a toxic culture of sexual harassment at the agency, raising questions about Gruenberg's leadership. If Gruenberg steps down, it could jeopardize the Biden administration's financial regulatory agenda, leaving the FDIC board deadlocked and stalling critical rulemaking efforts.

The upcoming congressional hearings will be a crucial moment for both national politics and financial reforms. Gruenberg's performance on Capitol Hill could determine the future of noncitizen voting laws and financial regulations in the United States. As the political landscape continues to shift, the decisions made in the coming weeks will shape the direction of the country for years to come.