Idaho Governor Brad Little has taken a firm stance against non-citizen voting, issuing an executive order dubbed the ‘Only Citizens Will Vote Act.’ The order, implemented in July, makes Idaho the first state to take executive action against non-citizen voting. Governor Little, a Republican, argues that voting is a fundamental right reserved for American citizens and that allowing non-citizens to vote undermines the integrity of elections.
The act instructs the Idaho Secretary of State to collaborate with county clerks to ensure that voter rolls are free of non-citizens. It strengthens existing safeguards across the state’s 44 counties and enhances collaboration between state police, the transportation department, and Homeland Security to verify voter citizenship. Governor Little emphasizes the need to safeguard elections from the consequences of the Biden administration’s immigration policies, citing the influx of illegal immigrants across the southern border.
Governor Little’s stance aligns with concerns raised by Republican leaders nationwide, who argue that the Biden administration’s open border policies have led to a surge in illegal immigration, jeopardizing national security and straining resources. They contend that allowing non-citizens to vote further exacerbates the situation by undermining the democratic process.
While the governor asserts that Idaho already has the most secure elections in the country, he believes that the ‘Only Citizens Will Vote Act’ reinforces these safeguards and provides voters with greater confidence in the electoral process. He emphasizes that this issue transcends party lines, arguing that protecting the sanctity of voting is a matter of common sense and should be a priority for all states.
Governor Little’s call for a nationwide ban on non-citizen voting highlights the growing debate over election integrity and the role of immigration in shaping American politics. His actions are likely to further fuel the contentious dialogue surrounding these issues, particularly as the 2024 presidential election approaches.
