On election day, at least for those who are willing to listen, some lessons were learned. Among the most important addresses voting dignity. Voters from all over the country gathered in droves to voice their opinions on the constitutionality of state poll measures, with a special emphasis on the contentious subject of noncitizen voting.
The steps passed with considerable majority in every state where citizens were asked to decide whether to prohibit noncitizens from election. The outcomes demonstrate strong state-wide discussion, with approval levels exceeding 62 %. The Center Square gives the facts:
– South Carolina led with the highest help, with 86 % voting in favor of the restrictions.
– Oklahoma ( 81 % ), North Carolina ( 77.6 % ), Iowa ( 76 % ), and Missouri ( 68 % ) also saw overwhelming majorities in support.
– Wisconsin ( 70 % ), Idaho ( 65 % ), and Kentucky ( 62 % ) similarly passed measures to restrict voting to U. S. citizens only.
These vote measures reflect a growing tendency among states to directly prevent noncitizen election, a plan that has gained momentum since Congress passed a 1996 laws banning noncitizen voting in national elections for the U. S. Senate, House of Representatives, and presidency. However, national law does not extend to state and local elections, leaving the decision to specific states.
While all position governments require citizen status, state laws governing noncitizen election vary. Some states expressly prohibit noncitizen election in state and local elections, including Arizona, North Dakota, Georgia, Florida, and Ohio. However, a few states, such as pieces of California, Maryland, and Vermont, have allowed noncitizen voting in specific regional elections, prompting claims to get clearer, uniform plans.
The drive to hinder noncitizen election has intensified in recent years, with Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, North Dakota, and Ohio all enacting restrictions from 2018 to 2022. The trend is likely to continue thanks to the decisive votes cast this year in eight more state.
In Iowa, electors also approved a measure that would allow 17-year-olds to cast ballots if they were 18 when the general election was held, which would be in line with similar laws in different states that aim to entice younger citizens.
Nevada passed a requirement for voter identification with 74 % support, which highlights voter concerns over ballot security, while Missouri voters passed a measure that would outlaw ranked-choice voting.
However, Connecticut passed a measure by 57 % enabling rules for no-excuse absentee ballot, aiming to increase voter access while balancing worries over election protection.
The debate over these ballot initiatives is a reflection of ongoing conflict in election law between state sovereignty and election policy. In Virginia, the U.S. Supreme Court recently granted an emergency stay to keep noncitizens off the voter rolls, a decision that will likely have a significant impact on similar cases nationwide as states prepare for the 2024 presidential election.
