This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to allow an individual who is not a U.S. citizen to vote in any election in the District of Columbia (DC). Further, DC must certify that it does not allow noncitizens to vote in elections as a condition of receiving any federal funds. Federal law bars noncitizens from voting in federal elections; however, the DC Council passed a bill on October 18, 2022, that allows noncitizens who meet residency and other requirements to vote in local elections.
If enacted, SB12 would necessitate that the D.C. government certifies its compliance with the prohibition on noncitizen voting as a condition for receiving federal funding. This requirement could have significant implications for how the District administers elections and manages federal assistance. The potential loss of federal funds could pressure the D.C. government to adjust its local voting laws, essentially curtailing its authority to regulate electoral participation within its jurisdiction.
Senate Bill 12 seeks to prohibit the District of Columbia from using federal funds to allow individuals who are not citizens of the United States to vote in any elections. This legislation emerges in the context of a recent law passed by the D.C. Council, which allows noncitizens meeting certain residency and other criteria to participate in local elections. The bill reinforces the federal stance on voting rights, which already restricts noncitizen participation in federal elections, by extending this prohibition to local elections within the capital.
The bill has sparked controversy, particularly among those who support D.C.'s more inclusive voting laws. Proponents of SB12 argue that it is a necessary measure to uphold the integrity of voting rights and ensure that only U.S. citizens participate in elections. Critics, however, view the bill as an overreach by Congress into local governance, potentially undermining D.C.'s autonomy and the ability of local jurisdictions to determine their own voting procedures. The debate hinges on issues of federalism, citizens' rights, and democracy, highlighting the broader national conversation about voting access and representation.