By Sterling Mosley. Media: DC Enquirer.
Note: This article may contain commentary reflecting the author’s opinion.
House Oversight Committee Chair Rep. James Comer (R-KY) has introduced a bill to the 118th Congress that would bar illegal immigrants from partaking in local elections in Washington, D.C.
In October, the D.C. City Council passed a resolution that would allow illegal aliens to vote called the āLocal Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act.ā The act allows for non-citizens, including illegal migrants, to vote in races for mayor, city council, attorney general, board of education, and other positions, as reported by WUSA9.
With the passage of the act, Councilwoman Brianne Nadeau tweeted, āThe Local Residents Voting Rights Amendment Act passes! For nearly a decade, Iāve championed expanding voting rights so that those who have made the District their home have the right for their voices to be heard in our local issues, no matter their immigration status.ā
The Local Residents Voting Rights Amendment Act passes! For nearly a decade, I've championed expanding voting rights so that those who have made the District their home have the right for their voices to be heard in our local issues, no matter their immigration status.
— Brianne K. Nadeau (@BrianneKNadeau) October 18, 2022
Despite Nadeauās cheerfulness, only American citizens should have a say in American elections and Rep. Comer wants to solidify that message.
Comerās Joint Resolution would, if passed, prevent DC from allowing non-citizens to vote. The Kentucky representative told The Daily Caller that āVoting is a pillar of American democracy and a constitutional right that undeniably needs to be protected and preserved for citizens of this country.ā
āThe D.C. Councilās reckless decision to allow non-U.S. citizens and illegal immigrants the right to vote in local elections is an attack on the foundation of this republic, Comer continued. āThis move by the Council is irresponsible and will only exacerbate the ongoing border crisis, subvert the voices of American citizens, and open the door for foreign adversaries to peddle influence in our nationās capital.ā
āIt should go without saying: Only Americans should have the power to influence local policy and guide their hard-earned taxpayer dollars to important initiatives,ā the congressman said. āAll Members of Congress, both Republicans and Democrats, should strongly oppose this radical effort by the D.C. Council and support this Joint Resolution.ā
A similar effort by left-leaning local leaders was struck down by the courts last year when New York City attempted to allow non-citizens to vote in local elections. The New York effort, which would have granted the right to vote to over 800,000 non-citizens, was deemed unconstitutional by the State Supreme Court, as reported by The New York Times. The courts have yet to intervene in D.C.ās case.
As previously reported by the DC Enquirer, the federal district has seen increased numbers of illegal migrants entering the city in part thanks to Gov. Greg Abbottās (R-TX) voluntary busing program to the nationās capital.
The governor announced on Monday that over 9,000 migrants had been transported to DC causing Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) to call upon the national guard to assist.
As of today, Texas has bused over 16,600 migrants to sanctuary cities.
āŖļø Over 9,100 to DC
āŖļø Over 5,200 to NYC
āŖļø Over 1,500 to Chicago
āŖļø Over 890 to PhiladelphiaAs President Biden does nothing, Texas is providing relief to overwhelmed border communities.
— Gov. Greg Abbott (@GovAbbott) January 9, 2023
Under D.C.s new law, that would mean 9,100 more votes. Granting the right to vote to non-citizens is antithetical to the founding principles of the country and dilutes the voting power of American citizens. Hopefully, Congress acts and rights this wrong.
