Constitution; amend to prohibit noncitizen voting by Mississippi Citizen Only Voting Amendment (COVA).
Impact
If enacted, this amendment would directly affect the state's voting laws, eliminating the possibility for noncitizen inhabitants to vote in local and state elections. The modification seeks to provide clearer eligibility requirements for voters and aims to strengthen the integrity of the electoral process in Mississippi. It is anticipated that the amendment will contribute to maintaining a homogeneous voter base that is exclusively composed of U.S. citizens.
Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution 513 proposes a significant amendment to Section 241 of the Mississippi Constitution of 1890, aiming to restrict voting in state and local elections strictly to citizens of the United States. The resolution outlines that only those who are citizens, at least eighteen years old, and fulfill residency requirements would be qualified to vote. This change is intended to close any loopholes that may currently allow noncitizens to participate in local and state elections.
Contention
The proposed amendment could lead to debates surrounding its implications on voting accessibility and representation. Supporters of the amendment argue that limiting voting to citizens will ensure that elected officials remain accountable to those who are legally entitled to live and work in the state. However, opponents may question the necessity of such a restriction, fearing it could overshadow broader discussions on voter inclusivity and potentially disenfranchise specific communities residing within the state.
Submission
The resolution is set to be submitted to voters in an election scheduled for November 2024. This timing allows the citizens of Mississippi to have a direct say in whether they support this constitutional amendment, which reflects the common practice of allowing the electorate to vote on significant changes to state laws.