Public Interest Legal Foundation Fights Against Foreign Nationals Voting in American Elections

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!

• A new law in Washington D.C. allows foreign nationals living in the district, whether they are here legally or illegally, to vote in municipal elections.
• The law is being criticized for allowing foreign interference in American elections and for undermining the notion of citizenship.
• The Public Interest Legal Foundation is fighting these laws, arguing that they violate the Constitution and the Voting Rights Act.

On March 17th, a new law went into effect in Washington D.C. allowing foreign nationals to vote in municipal elections, as long as they have lived in the district for 30 days. The law applies to foreign nationals living in the district, whether they are here legally or illegally.

Some critics of the law are concerned about the potential for foreign interference in American elections, as foreign nationals working at embassies in the district can now vote in American elections.

Opposition to the law is bipartisan, with 42 Democrats in the House of Representatives opposing the law. However, it is unlikely that the law will be overturned in court, as the D.C. Council did not appear to act with an illegal motivation.

The Public Interest Legal Foundation (PILF) is fighting these laws, arguing that they violate the Constitution and the Voting Rights Act. In New York City, PILF filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of four black voters, arguing that the city’s foreign voting law violates the 15th Amendment and the Voting Rights Act. PILF also filed an amicus curiae brief in support of striking down San Francisco’s law allowing foreigners to vote in school board elections.

Critics of the law argue that it undermines the notion of citizenship, as citizenship should come with loyalty to America and a shared interest in the future of the country.

They also argue that the law diminishes the struggle of black Americans to gain the right to vote, as foreign nationals dilute their votes. Proponents of the law argue that it allows non-citizens to have a voice in local elections that affect their daily lives, such as school board elections.

Overall, the issue of foreign nationals voting in American elections remains controversial. While some argue that it allows non-citizens to have a voice in local elections, others are concerned about the potential for foreign interference in American elections and the undermining of the notion of citizenship.

Source: thefederalist.com