WASHINGTON - Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) released the following statement on H.R. 192, To Prohibit Noncitizens From Voting In Local Elections, which passed the House of Representatives on Thursday, May 23:
“On Thursday, I voted Nay on H.R 192, An act to prohibit individuals who are not citizens of the United States from voting in LOCAL elections in the District of Columbia.
Noncitizens have been barred from voting in federal elections since 1924. In addition, in 1996, Congress made noncitizen voting in federal elections a crime punishable by fines and imprisonment. This legislation does not change that.
I believe that voting is a privilege that comes with being a U.S. citizen. As such, I do not think non citizens should vote in elections. However, before I could even consider that issue I had to think about Congress overriding decisions made by local citizens.
My no vote was because I do not believe Congress should dictate laws passed by local governments, that are not in violation of the constitution.
I believe in democracy and I do not think Congress should overturn the will of the people on local issues in the District of Columbia, with a population of over 671k people, represented by democratically elected officials. I would strongly oppose any attempt by Congress to override decisions made in local elections here in the fifth district.
This weekend I spoke to constituents confused and concerned by my vote. The article below provides an overview of existing laws impacting voting by noncitizens and I hope it helps provide a better understanding of this issue.”