A controversial Arizona law requiring proof of citizenship to vote is back in court, with the Supreme Court allowing some enforcement while concerns about noncitizen voting persist. The law has faced legal challenges, sparking debate about voter ID requirements and the potential for voter fraud.
House Speaker Mike Johnson is attaching a controversial voter ID requirement to a short-term spending bill, potentially risking a government shutdown just weeks before the presidential election. Democrats strongly oppose the move, arguing it’s a partisan ploy and will likely fail in the Senate. The bill could also backfire for Republicans if it triggers a shutdown, putting the blame squarely on their shoulders.
Republicans, led by House Speaker Mike Johnson, are pushing to include the ‘SAVE Act’, which requires proof of citizenship for voter registration, in a must-pass spending bill. Democrats, however, are resisting this move, arguing that it is unnecessary and based on unfounded claims. The inclusion of this bill in the spending deal has become a point of contention between the two parties, potentially leading to a government shutdown if an agreement cannot be reached.
Senator Mark Kelly, a Democrat from Arizona, has stated that there is no evidence of undocumented immigrants voting in U.S. elections. He opposes the SAVE Act, a bill that would require proof of citizenship to vote, arguing it is a solution looking for a problem. Kelly’s stance comes amidst Republican efforts to secure elections by removing noncitizens from voter rolls and pushing for stricter voting measures.
With a government shutdown looming, House Republicans are demanding a vote on a bill requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration. This could lead to a protracted fight with Democrats and potentially a shutdown just weeks before the 2024 election. The move comes amid concerns about election security and is fueled by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s urging for a government shutdown if the bill isn’t passed.
Despite existing laws prohibiting noncitizen voting in US elections, concerns about potential noncitizen voter registration and participation have escalated, particularly among Republicans. While incidents of noncitizen voting are rare, GOP officials are taking measures to address these concerns, including voter roll reviews and state-level legislation. However, Democrats argue that these measures could disenfranchise legal voters and are unnecessary, while experts suggest existing mechanisms effectively flag noncitizen voters.
Republican lawmakers are pushing to attach a bill requiring proof of citizenship to vote, the SAVE Act, to a stopgap spending measure, aiming to force a vote on the controversial legislation. While some Republicans, including Sens. Ted Cruz and Mike Lee, see it as a way to prevent voter fraud, others, like Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, prioritize keeping the government open and avoiding a shutdown. The Biden-Harris administration opposes the bill, stating it is already illegal for noncitizens to vote in federal elections.
The Supreme Court is being asked to allow Arizona to enforce a law requiring proof of U.S. citizenship for voting in federal elections. This has sparked a debate about voter integrity and the role of states in setting voting rules. The Arizona law, supported by 24 other states and various advocacy groups, argues that it’s crucial to prevent non-citizen voting. Opponents argue that the law is discriminatory and could disenfranchise eligible voters.
Vice President Kamala Harris has been accused of hypocrisy after requiring attendees at her campaign rally to present government-issued ID, despite previously opposing voter ID laws. Critics point to her past statements against such laws, arguing they disproportionately affect minorities. The Harris campaign has not yet responded to the allegations.
Voters in England and Wales have until 5pm on Wednesday to apply for a special certificate if they do not have the correct form of photo ID to participate in next week’s elections. Valid forms of photo ID include passports, driving licences, blue badges, and older person’s bus passes. The Electoral Commission, which oversees elections in the UK, encourages those who do not have the right forms of ID to apply for a voter authority certificate as soon as possible to ensure they can participate in the elections.
