In a move aimed at bolstering election integrity, House Republicans have unveiled a new legislative package focused on preventing non-citizens from participating in U.S. elections. Led by Republican Study Committee Chairman August Pfluger (R-TX), the initiative comprises three key bills: one prohibiting non-citizen residents of Washington, D.C. from voting in local elections, another barring non-citizens from administering elections, and a constitutional amendment to prevent non-citizen voting altogether.
While federal law already prohibits non-citizens from voting in federal elections, this legislation aims to address the issue at the state and local levels, particularly in jurisdictions like Washington, D.C., where non-citizen voting in local elections is permitted. Representative Pfluger emphasized the importance of these measures in safeguarding American democracy and national sovereignty. He stated that these are common-sense steps to ensure the integrity of the electoral system by preventing undue influence from non-citizens.
This initiative follows the House Republicans' passage of the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act earlier this year, requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration. The timing of these bills, well ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, is notable, given the historical challenges faced by the incumbent party in midterm races. The GOP's proactive approach aims to address potential vulnerabilities and ensure a secure electoral process. House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-TX), a key figure in the Republican's broader conservative policy agenda, is among the co-sponsors, signaling the importance of this issue within the party's platform. Border security and immigration reform are expected to be central components of forthcoming legislation.
