North Carolina is on the cusp of a crucial decision that could redefine the state’s voting landscape. Next month, voters will decide on a proposed amendment, dubbed the “Citizen Only Voting” amendment (House Bill 1074), which aims to clarify the state’s constitution to explicitly state that only U.S. citizens can participate in state elections. This amendment has sparked a fierce debate, with proponents and opponents locked in a battle over its implications for voting rights and the future of democracy in North Carolina.
While North Carolina law currently prohibits non-citizens from voting, proponents argue that the amendment is necessary to ensure confidence in elections, particularly amid growing concerns about immigration. They maintain that explicitly enshrining this principle in the state constitution would leave no room for ambiguity and reinforce the foundation of a fair and transparent electoral process.
Jason Simmons, Chairman of the North Carolina GOP, echoed this sentiment, stating that the amendment represents a “critical step” towards bolstering confidence in elections. He further emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of the electoral system, which he believes is under threat from certain elements seeking to undermine it.
However, the amendment has faced strong pushback from critics who view it as a discriminatory tactic targeting immigrant communities. They argue that the amendment is unnecessary and harmful, as it could further marginalize and disempower immigrant residents who have already gone through a rigorous naturalization process to become U.S. citizens.
Jasmina Nogo, a staff attorney at the NC Justice Center’s Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project, voiced these concerns, stating that the amendment could serve as a stepping stone to further disenfranchise and diminish the voice of immigrant communities within the state. Nogo, who herself went through the process of becoming a U.S. citizen, believes that the amendment sends a chilling message to immigrants who have worked hard to become part of American society.
The debate surrounding this amendment has highlighted a broader national conversation about voting rights and the inclusion of immigrant communities within the democratic process. As North Carolina prepares for the upcoming election, this amendment is poised to become a defining issue, shaping the state’s political landscape and influencing the national conversation on voting rights and representation.