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I would like to shed light on serious concerns in our state about noncitizens voting in our upcoming federal election. This includes both legal noncitizen aliens, as well as those in our country unlawfully.
This topic is getting increasing coverage in the news, but not all voters are aware that it is a problem at all, let alone the devastating impact it could have on our election results and nation’s future.
I believe everyone in Maine would agree that only American citizens should vote in American elections that determine the future of our country. Only Canadians vote in Canada, only Italians vote in Italy, and only Americans should vote in America. It’s not “suppression,” or “lack of inclusion” — it’s law and common sense.
Federal law, including the 1993 National Voter Registration Act, demands only U.S. citizens vote in federal elections. But these laws have more loopholes than they have enforcement provisions, including no requirements to provide documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote.
Yes, it is illegal for noncitizens to vote in federal elections. It is also illegal to rob a bank or steal a car, but it happens every day. Why would anyone expect this federal election law to be upheld with no meaningful enforcement or penalties?
Our state provides state ID and driver’s licenses to noncitizens, Real ID does not prove citizenship and you don’t have to be a citizen to get a Social Security number. These documents are all that are needed to cast a vote.
Local election officials, state legislators and Congress must take action to ensure that only U.S. citizens are determining who wins the presidency or congressional representation.
But first every American voter — including those in Maine — must be aware that this is a very real problem, and one if not addressed, can negate the political choices they lawfully mark on their ballots.
It’s time for every concerned citizen to shine a light on the problem of noncitizen voting.
Bonnie Bemis
Embden
