As the 2024 election approaches, Republicans are intensifying efforts to prevent noncitizens from voting, despite data showing such incidents are rare. Concerns over illegal voting have led GOP officials to conduct voter roll reviews, issue executive orders, and propose constitutional amendments in several states.
While noncitizens voting in federal elections is illegal under a 1996 law, Republicans have cited increased immigration as a reason to bolster safeguards. Texas and Ohio, among other states, have identified potential noncitizen voters, though these cases represent a small fraction of total voters.
Critics argue that these measures could create unnecessary barriers for legal voters and exaggerate the issue. Nevertheless, Republican-led legislatures in eight states are pushing ballot measures this November to explicitly state that only U.S. citizens can vote, reinforcing existing laws.
The debate continues as Republicans in Congress advocate for stricter voter registration requirements, facing opposition from Democrats and the Biden administration.
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