Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) issued the following statement after voting for H.R. 192, legislation that prohibits noncitizens from voting in Washington, D.C. local elections for public office, including any ballot initiative or D.C. referendum. H.R. 192 also repeals the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022, which unconstitutionally allows non-citizen residents, including green card holders, illegal immigrants, and other non-citizens who have lived in D.C. for at least 30 days, to vote in local elections. 

“American elections must be decided by American citizens – period, full stop,” said Rep. Yakym. “Being a U.S. citizen is an incredible privilege, not a right, and every vote a noncitizen casts dilutes the value of an American’s vote. The Left’s attempts to erase our borders and undermine our sovereignty are unpopular, unwise, and unconstitutional. I will always fight for free and fair elections that Americans can have confidence in and that are the foundation of our constitutional republic.”

Background:

• Under D.C.’s current law, there is no prohibition on foreign diplomats or agents – including those working for Russia or China – voting in D.C.
• When polled, two-thirds of Americans say people should be required to show proof of citizenship in order to vote in U.S. elections.

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