Dems Try To Sabotage Push For Proof Of Citizenship To Vote

Democrats in Congress have opposed legislation aimed at ensuring that only U.S. citizens can vote in elections. They voted against the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act in the House and have stalled it in the Senate. Additionally, they have challenged President Donald Trump’s executive order that mandates documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration.

Critics argue that the Democratic opposition to these measures suggests an intention to allow noncitizens to participate in U.S. elections. Deputy White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson stated, "President Trump has exercised his lawful authority to ensure only American citizens are casting ballots in American elections. This is so commonsense that only the Democrat Party would file a lawsuit against it. We expect to be vindicated by a higher court," following a ruling by U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, who deemed the proof of citizenship requirement unconstitutional.

Kollar-Kotelly, a Clinton appointee, ruled that Trump overstepped by infringing on Congress' authority regarding election regulations. Her decision also prevents the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) from enforcing the citizenship proof requirement.

In response, the EAC is reviewing a petition from the America First Legal Foundation, which seeks to amend EAC regulations to include a proof of citizenship rule. The petition has garnered significant public support, with over 350,000 comments submitted before the public comment period ended on October 20. The proposal has backing from 14 states, including Texas, and various election integrity organizations.

Gene Hamilton, president of America First Legal, emphasized the widespread demand for such measures, stating, "The honor system is not enough. The EAC must act to defend the rule of law, protect the integrity of our elections, and restore confidence in the ballot box."

However, the EAC has reported a surge in comments opposing the proof of citizenship requirement, with Deputy Director of the Election Integrity Network, Ned Jones, noting a significant increase in negative feedback. He indicated that there was a coordinated effort from left-leaning organizations to submit opposing comments, which has raised concerns about the authenticity of the feedback.

Jones highlighted that approximately 40,000 duplicate comments were identified, suggesting a potential campaign to flood the EAC with opposition. Many of the comments echoed similar sentiments against the proposed rule, arguing that it would disenfranchise eligible voters. Critics of the proof of citizenship requirement assert that it could create unnecessary barriers for citizens, particularly those lacking certain identification documents.

Among the organizations opposing the petition is UnidosUS, a left-leaning advocacy group that has historically supported various immigration reforms. The group has claimed to have registered over a million eligible voters and has engaged in extensive voter education efforts in recent election cycles.

Supporters of the proof of citizenship requirement argue that the current system relies too heavily on the honor system, which they believe is insufficient to safeguard election integrity. They contend that with increasing reports of noncitizens appearing on voter rolls, it is essential to implement measures that require proof of citizenship to ensure that only eligible voters participate in elections.

As the debate continues, the EAC's decision on the petition could have significant implications for future elections and the ongoing discussion about election integrity in the United States.