Since the foundation of our country, the democratic process to elect our director’s body has defined our nation. The right to vote is a privilege of citizenship, and it is our duty to ensure that each election is carried out with integrity.
Oklahoma has established a gold stallion for the way we drive and protect our voting and registration system. It is time for other states to follow our example to avoid interference of foreign and non-citizens.
In the latest administration, at least 4.6 million illegal immigrants were released in the country, with an additional 1.8 million known “Gotaways”. In many states, illegal foreigners are eligible for driving licenses and other advantages, offering many opportunities to register illegally to vote in the federal elections. Some jurisdictions even allow non-citizens to vote during their local elections.
While federal law stipulates that only American citizens can legally vote in the federal elections, the National Law on the Registration of Voters (NVRA) Prepares the states of applying citizenship verification requirements for the recording of voters. It is a critical escape in our electoral laws.
There are many evidence of the registration of non-citizens to vote. A 2014 study of the 2008 and 2010 elections revealed that non-citizens voted and probably influenced the outcome of several breeds.
Last year in Virginia1,481 non-citizens were found on the electoral lists of the State and in AlabamaThey identified 3,250 non-citizens registered to vote. Just last month, Michigan found 15 people who voted in the 2024 elections who are not American citizens. A vote, in particular at the local level, can determine the result of a breed and is unacceptable for the standard to which we hold as a nation.
Recently, my republican colleagues in the room and I voted to repair our electoral system and ensure that only American citizens can vote.
I was proud to coparraine and vote for the adoption of the Save the law,, House resolution 22To further protect our elections and restore confidence in our systems.
This legislation guarantees that states check American citizenship when registering individuals to vote in the federal elections, provides states with the tools to withdraw non-citizens from the electoral lists and penalize those responsible who record the non-citizens.
Despite deceptive media complaints, this legislation does not make more difficult for American citizens, including married women, to vote.
HR 22 simply requires real identification of identity, passport or other identification issued by the government which includes proof of birthplace.
These are rules that Oklahoma already follows and the bill does not change any of the Oklahoma electoral procedures.
The biggest false idea is that this bill will prevent married women from voting.
If a woman changes her family name after marriage, she must already update her social security card, driver’s license and passport.
Consequently, its identification will be up to date when registering to vote.
The argument against this bill is nothing more than an desperate attempt to mislead the public.
This legislation is an essential step towards restoring confidence in our electoral system and to guarantee that only eligible American citizens determine the result of our elections.
Our electoral system is the foundation of our democracy, and we must do everything in our power to maintain its integrity.
I will continue to fight alongside my colleagues to make sure that our elections remain fair and safe. It should be easy to vote and difficult to cheat.
Note: American representative Stephanie Bice serves the fifth district of the Oklahoma congress, which includes most of Oklahoma City-County, and reaches several other counties in the metropolitan region.
