Expressing his position on preventing noncitizens from voting in federal elections, Senator Ted Cruz recently endorsed a legislative proposal by Senator Katie Britt, as reported by Newsweek on December 15, 2023.
In a Twitter post, Cruz emphatically stated, “Illegal aliens should not be able to vote in federal elections. Period. This should not be controversial.” The post directed followers to an article discussing Britt’s initiative, which aims to ensure the exclusive participation of U.S. citizens in federal elections.
Former U.S. attorney Joy Vance, appointed by ex-President Barack Obama, criticized both the proposed legislation and Cruz’s tweet. She argued that it exemplified the GOP’s tendency to invent non-existent issues, diverting attention from critical matters such as gun violence and climate change.
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Despite seeking a response from Cruz’s office, Newsweek reported no comment as of Friday. Cruz, known for his vocal stance on various issues, reiterated his position against non-U.S. citizens participating in federal elections, despite the existing legal framework prohibiting such voting.
In response to Vance’s criticism, Cruz presented what he termed as evidence, sharing two articles highlighting instances where non-citizens were granted voting rights in local elections. However, it’s crucial to note that both instances cited by Cruz pertain to local elections, not federal ones.
A community note appended to Cruz’s initial tweet clarified that only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote in federal elections, aligning with information provided by the U.S. Government website.
Senator Katie Britt’s proposed legislation, named the ‘Citizen Ballot Protection Act,’ aims to ensure that only U.S. citizens participate in federal elections. The bill responds to perceived challenges, with Britt expressing concern about certain cities allowing noncitizens to vote in local elections.
In her statement, Britt underscored the sacred nature of voting in the United States, emphasizing that this right should be reserved exclusively for American citizens. Advocates for extending voting rights to non-U.S. citizens argue that it is about inclusivity and expanding the right to vote to individuals who care about their communities.
Charles Allen, a member of the Council of the District of Columbia, defended such measures, stating that they align with D.C.’s values of inclusivity and expanding political participation. The debate highlights ongoing discussions around voting rights, citizenship, and the balance between ensuring the integrity of the electoral system and fostering a more inclusive democratic process.
