Georgia has taken bold steps to prevent non-citizens from voting illegally, posting warning signs at all voting precincts according to Just The News.
Recent findings indicate a growing concern across the U.S. about non-citizens participating in elections, a situation brought to the forefront by incidents in various states, including Arizona, Florida, and Texas.
Concerns have escalated to the extent that Brad Raffensperger, Georgia's Secretary of State, has endorsed new policies to ensure that only American citizens vote during the elections.
This campaign, known as "Secure the Vote," uses direct signage to warn potential voters of the legal implications tied to illegal voting.
These signs, now standing at over 2,400 precincts across Georgia, quote state and federal laws, deterring non-citizens from participating erroneously or unlawfully.
The movement toward stricter controls gained momentum after investigations exposed thousands of non-citizens on voter rolls, and in some cases, those who had succeeded in casting ballots. This has sparked a significant public and political reaction, aiming to tighten the registration processes and reduce these occurrences.
In Georgia, the efforts have been partially successful, with approximately 1,600 non-citizens blocked from registering to vote.
Raffensperger elaborated on these issues during an appearance on the "Just the News, No Noise" television show, explaining the interconnected concerns of voters about immigration and illegal vote casting by non-citizens.
He highlighted the dual concern, stating, "One of the voters' top concerns is out-of-control borders, out-of-control illegal immigration. But then, you know, it also would be non-citizen voting."
Raffensperger’s stance is not isolated, as Congress has experienced pushes for more stringent voter registration legislation. The House recently passed the SAVE Act, which seeks amendment to the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), requiring documentary proof of citizenship upon registering to vote.
This initiative reflects a wider concern captured by a poll finding that 68% of likely voters advocate for requiring citizenship proof at the national level.
Illinois Representative Bryan Steil, Chairman of the House Administration Committee, expressed frustration over delays in Senate action, advocating for the bill’s importance in ensuring that "U.S. elections are for U.S. citizens only."
While the federal wheels turn, local anecdotes illuminate the ongoing challenges. J. Christian Adams, president of the Public Interest Legal Foundation (PILF), pointed to errors at Pennsylvania's Department of Transportation (PennDOT) which registered non-citizens for decades due to a "glitch."
Despite these national concerns, there remains a patchwork of laws regarding non-citizen voting in local elections.
Certain municipalities across the U.S. permit non-citizens to vote in these elections, which do not involve federal offices.
This contrast in policies underscores the complex landscape of voter eligibility, with some aiming to integrate non-citizens into local governance, while at the state and national levels, efforts veer sharply towards exclusion.
Adams shared insights into common mistakes, "We've collected data over the years on how non-citizens get in, and it's largely by not telling the truth in the motor voter process. People get registered to vote when they tell, on their voter registration form, the election officials, that they are not a citizen."
As the election season approaches, states including Arizona and Oregon are reevaluating how their automatic registration systems might falsely enroll non-citizens.
Meanwhile, legal actions continue to resolve and prevent illegal voting practices that could affect the integrity of U.S. election outcomes.
For lawful immigrants in Georgia, the stakes are clear with the new signage—illegally voting can jeopardize future citizenship opportunities. As Raffensperger pointed out, "We also let people know that perhaps aren't a citizen that if you vote, this could have severe consequences."
The issue remains contentious and complex as legislators, administrators, and the public grapple with ensuring a fair electoral process while addressing concerns of voter fraud and immigration enforcement.