Most House Democrats support allowing noncitizens to vote in DC.

The House of Representatives made a significant move on Thursday by advancing a bill to repeal a Washington, D.C. law that allowed noncitizens to vote in local elections. The decision was met with a mix of support and opposition, showcasing the political divide within the House.

With 52 Democrats joining Republicans on the measure, and 143 Democrats voting against it, the final count stood at 262 to 143 in favor of repealing the D.C. law. The law, passed by the progressive city council in 2022, had recently survived a court challenge earlier this year.

Republicans who supported the repeal argued that allowing non-Americans to participate in local elections in the nation’s capital could have unfavorable implications for national security. They expressed concerns about potential foreign interference in the electoral process.

In a statement during the debate for the bill, Rep. Garret Graves, R-La., emphasized the importance of preventing individuals from foreign countries, illegal residents, and individuals with malicious intentions towards the United States from influencing the elections in D.C.

On the other hand, GOP lawmakers accused Democrats of attempting to influence the outcome of elections by allegedly encouraging illegal immigrants to register and vote. However, Democrats denied these claims, stating that there was no evidence of undocumented individuals participating in the electoral process.

Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, who introduced the bill, highlighted the narrow margins by which critical elections have been decided in recent years. He argued that even the possibility of undocumented individuals casting votes could potentially sway the results of an entire race.

The latest move to repeal the D.C. law is part of a broader effort by House GOP leaders to enhance voting security in anticipation of the November 2024 elections. This decision coincides with a key House committee’s consideration of a bill to increase enforcement measures and penalties for undocumented individuals who participate in federal elections.

Overall, the repeal of the Washington, D.C. law allowing noncitizens to vote in local elections reflects the ongoing debate surrounding voting rights, security, and the role of noncitizens in the electoral process.