House Republicans Move to Change Voting Rules in Washington, D.C.
On Tuesday, House Republicans voted to eliminate a provision in Washington, D.C. that allows non-citizens to vote in local elections. This action also overturned another local law regarding protections for law enforcement liability.
With a vote tally of 266-148, the House approved the 2022 Local Referendum Amendment Act, which restricts voting in D.C. elections to U.S. citizens only.
“For a healthy republic, free and fair elections are a prerequisite,” stated Rep. August Pfluger from Texas, who proposed the bill in August. “The radical decision by the DC Council to permit non-citizens, including illegal immigrants and foreign agents, to vote in local elections undermines the voting power of American voters.” He expressed satisfaction with the action taken by House Republicans.
According to the DC Home Rules Act of 1973, certain powers are granted to the capital, including the ability to elect mayors and city councils. However, councils can choose to disregard local laws.
For over three decades, Congress avoided involving itself in D.C. affairs, but that changed in 2023 when it intervened to adjust local laws concerning penalties for particular felonies, such as armed robbery.
Former President Joe Biden supported reversing the voting rights law despite initially suggesting he might veto it.
Last year, House Republicans attempted to address the local voting rights amendment but couldn’t secure passage in the Senate.
Interestingly, D.C. isn’t alone in allowing non-citizens to vote in local elections. Some cities in California, Vermont, and Maryland have similar provisions.
The capital allows non-citizens to vote for various local offices, including mayor, attorney general, and other city positions. They can also run for public office in D.C.
Proponents of this policy argue that many non-citizens have lived in D.C. for years, contributing to taxes but being denied the right to vote. However, current laws block non-citizens from voting in federal elections.
Pfluger, a vocal opponent of the non-citizen voting provision, argued it diminished the rights of legitimate American voters.
He remarked, “Anyone who voted against this law voted to transfer political power from legal voters. So with this bill passing today, we’re one step closer to restoring the integrity of the voting process and ensuring that only U.S. citizens vote in our nation’s capital.”
Additionally, Rep. Andrew Garbarino from New York introduced a different bill named the “Protecting the Capital Emergency Act,” which passed the House with a 235-178 vote.
Garbarino stated, “The Metropolitan Police Department faces a public safety crisis due to irresponsible policies that stripped essential protections from officers, leaving them dangerously understaffed.” He believes this bill will empower the police department to better retain and protect its officers.
The D.C. Police Union, which has about 3,000 members, has shown support for legislation that would reverse parts of the 2022 policing and judicial reform amendment.
Garbarino’s proposal would also restore limits on claims against D.C. police.
The mayor’s office has expressed opposition to any external interference in the council’s decisions. “D.C. will continue to defend our home rule and self-determination,” they stated.
Later this week, the House is anticipated to address another bill related to D.C., known as “The District of Columbia Federal Immigration Compliance Act.”
Meanwhile, D.C. is advocating for Congress to reverse a significant $1 billion budget cut which threatens measures aimed at preventing partial government shutdowns in March.
The mayor’s office added that the council should prioritize passing the Columbia District Local Financing Act to amend the damaging cuts to D.C.’s budget for the 2025 fiscal year.
