Written by Matthew Allen.

Late Wednesday, the GOP-led House passed a measure to prevent noncitizens from registering to vote in federal elections. Known as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, the bill passed with a 221-198 vote, largely along party lines, though five Democrats joined the Republicans in supporting the measure. Despite strong opposition from the Biden administration and Democratic leaders in Congress, the bill aims to address recent efforts by local Democrat-run jurisdictions to register noncitizens to vote.

Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, introduced the bill after several local jurisdictions, including the District of Columbia, announced initiatives to allow noncitizens to vote in local elections. House Minority Whip Katherine Clark, D-Mass., criticized the act, stating that its proof of citizenship requirement would prevent Americans from registering to vote using only their driver’s license. Roy, however, argued that Democrats oppose the bill because they want noncitizens, including undocumented immigrants, to vote.

Opposition and Support Dynamics

The opposition from the Biden administration and Democratic leaders highlights the contentious nature of the bill. They encouraged their colleagues to vote against it, arguing that it would disenfranchise eligible American voters. The act’s requirement for proof of citizenship was a significant point of contention, with critics arguing it would create unnecessary barriers to voter registration.

Despite these concerns, five Democrats broke ranks to support the measure, indicating some bipartisan agreement on the issue of noncitizen voting. Roy’s defense of the bill reflects a broader Republican belief that safeguarding voter eligibility is crucial to maintaining the integrity of federal elections. The bill’s passage in the House represents a significant step in the GOP’s efforts to address voter eligibility issues.

The Bill’s Future in the Senate

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act now moves to the Democrat-led U.S. Senate, where its future is uncertain. Given the current political climate and the slim Democratic majority, the bill is unlikely to advance. However, its passage in the House sends a strong message about the GOP’s priorities regarding election integrity and voter eligibility. The debate over this measure underscores the deep divisions in American politics and the ongoing struggle to balance electoral accessibility with security.

Our Take

The passage of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act in the House raises significant concerns about voter disenfranchisement and the potential impact on the democratic process. While the bill aims to ensure that only eligible citizens vote in federal elections, its stringent requirements could create barriers for legitimate voters. The opposition from the Biden administration and Democratic leaders suggests that the bill may not address the issue it purports to solve but rather exacerbate existing problems within the electoral system. By pushing for such measures, the GOP risks alienating voters and undermining the very democratic principles they seek to protect.