Wisconsin voters to decide on non-citizen voting ban
Wisconsin prepares for a vote on banning non-citizens from elections‚ a GOP-backed move. Critics say its unnecessary‚ as federal law already prohibits it. The amendment‚ part of a national trend‚ aims to clarify voting eligibility
In the upcoming Nov election Wisconsin residents will face an extra choice besides picking a president: deciding if non-US citizens should be explicitly barred from voting in the state
The referendum‚ pushed by GOP lawmakers seeks to change the state constitution. Its part of a wider Republican effort across America‚ with states like North Dakota Alabama Florida Colorado Ohio and Louisiana already adopting similar measures
Tyler August‚ the amendments main sponsor in the Assembly‚ said they want to make it “crystal clear“ that foreign nationals cant vote in Wisconsin. He stated‚ “While (the state constitution) says every US citizen can vote we want to make sure that cant be interpreted to mean every US citizen plus all these other folks“
Critics argue the amendment is pointless. Jeff Mandell‚ an attorney with Law Forward said “There is no problem with noncitizens voting; It is the very definition of a solution in search of a problem“
A 1996 federal law already makes it illegal for non-citizens to vote in federal elections. State data also shows non-citizen voting is uncommon. However Republicans have pointed to voter registration reviews that found potential non-citizens
Some places in California Maryland Vermont and Washington DC allow non-citizens to vote in certain local elections‚ like for school boards. This has sparked GOP concerns that more areas might follow suit
The proposed amendment would change the state constitutions wording from “every US citizen is a valid elector“ to “only US citizens can vote“. It needs to pass a statewide referendum to take effect
Over 30 groups including the ACLU and League of Women Voters‚ oppose the amendment. They argue it could lead to more anti-immigrant measures. Wisconsin Family Action‚ a conservative group‚ is the only registered supporter
Not only is this statewide ballot question intentionally confusing‚ but it will create real harm
The amendments fate now rests with Wisconsin voters‚ who will decide its outcome in the upcoming election
