West Virginia House of Delegates Advances Ballot Measure to Prohibit Noncitizens from Voting

The West Virginia House of Delegates passed a resolution on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, with a unanimous 96-0 vote, allowing voters to decide whether to prohibit people who are not U.S. citizens from voting in elections. The resolution now moves to the state Senate for consideration.

The West Virginia Constitution currently defines a citizen as a resident of the state. However, federal law already requires U.S. citizenship to vote in national elections. The proposed ballot measure aims to clarify the state’s voting laws further by explicitly prohibiting noncitizens from participating in elections.

According to the group Americans for Citizen Voting, 11 states have adopted the “only citizens” alternative in their state constitutions. West Virginia could potentially join this list if the resolution is passed by both chambers of the legislature and approved by voters in the November general election.

The resolution’s introduction and passage came with little debate. Republican Delegate Tom Fast of Fayette County explained the importance of clarifying the definition of a citizen for voting purposes. He emphasized that the proposed measure would not affect the eligibility of U.S. citizens, but rather ensure that only those entitled to vote do so.

The proposed ballot measure is a response to growing concerns over voter eligibility and the potential for noncitizens to influence elections. The issue has gained attention in recent years, with several states implementing measures to strengthen voter identification requirements and prevent noncitizen voting.

The West Virginia legislature has been active in addressing various issues related to elections and voter eligibility. In 2023, the House passed a bill requiring a state ID to access internet pornography. The bill aimed to protect children from explicit content and ensure that only eligible voters have access to the ballot.

The proposed ballot measure on noncitizen voting is a significant step towards strengthening West Virginia’s election laws and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. If passed, it would send a clear message that only U.S. citizens are entitled to vote in the state’s elections.

The resolution’s progression to the state Senate marks an important milestone in the legislative process. If the Senate passes the resolution by a two-thirds vote, it will be placed on the general election ballot in November for voters to decide.

The issue of noncitizen voting has been a topic of debate in various states and at the federal level. Some argue that allowing noncitizens to vote could dilute the power of U.S. citizens’ votes and potentially influence election outcomes. Others believe that it is an essential step towards promoting inclusivity and ensuring that all residents have a voice in their government.

The West Virginia House of Delegates’ decision to advance the ballot measure for noncitizen voting is a significant step towards clarifying the state’s voting laws and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. The issue remains a contentious one, and its resolution will depend on the outcome of the November general election.

In conclusion, the West Virginia House of Delegates’ vote to advance a ballot measure prohibiting noncitizens from voting is an essential step towards strengthening the state’s election laws and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. The issue remains a topic of debate, and its resolution will depend on the outcome of the November general election. The proposed measure aims to clarify the definition of a citizen for voting purposes and prevent noncitizens from influencing elections. The resolution’s progression to the state Senate marks an important milestone in the legislative process, and its passage could potentially join the ranks of the 11 states that have adopted the “only citizens” alternative in their state constitutions.