A big change might be coming to Clark County politics. Democrats there want to change their rules so people who can’t vote can still join their party. The county chair sent out a notice about this plan on March 22.
What’s Happening
The Clark County Democratic Party wants to change its rules. Right now, only registered voters can be members. But party leaders want to let people who can’t register to vote join too.
Party Chair Shelby Wiltz sent a notice to members saying:
“Our party has long been supported by community members who are not eligible to vote, including immigrants and DREAMers.”
The notice says these non-voters are already helping Democrats win elections by “knocking doors and making calls” and even “leading clubs and caucuses.”
The party plans to vote on this change at a special online meeting on May 31, 2025.
Why This Matters to Conservatives
This move raises big questions about who should have power in our political system.
For conservatives who believe in limited government, this change crosses an important line. Our founding fathers set up a system where citizens vote and have a say in government. Citizenship has always been the key to political participation.
If non-citizens can join political parties and help make decisions, it weakens the special bond between citizenship and political rights. It’s like letting people who aren’t on the team help call the plays.
Many conservatives worry that this blurs the line between citizens and non-citizens. If political parties open their doors to non-citizens, will voting rights be next?
What Supporters Say
Democrats backing this change say it’s about being fair and inclusive.
In their notice, they argue these non-citizens are:
“very active in the work to elect Democrats and defend our state from Republican policy.”
They believe people who help the party should have a voice in it. Supporters might point out that joining a political party isn’t the same as voting. They would say political parties are private groups, not government bodies, so they can set their own rules.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t happening only in Clark County. Similar moves are being tried across the country.
Some cities already let non-citizens vote in local elections. Places like San Francisco let non-citizens vote in school board elections. Some towns in Maryland let non-citizens vote in town elections.
Many conservatives see this as a slippery slope. First come party memberships, then local voting rights, and eventually pressure for more voting rights.
What Might Happen Next
If Clark County Democrats approve this change, other county parties might follow. This could lead to non-citizens having more influence in picking candidates and shaping party platforms.
The question for many conservatives is: Where does it stop? Will there be a push to let non-citizens vote in primaries next? Will state parties adopt similar rules?
Some legal experts might challenge whether party rules that include non-citizens violate election laws. This could lead to court battles.
The Citizenship Debate
For many Americans, citizenship has always been something special. It comes with both rights and duties. Citizens vote, serve on juries, and can run for office.
When political groups blur these lines, it changes what citizenship means. Some see this as part of a bigger push to remove the distinction between citizens and non-citizens altogether.
The debate around citizenship touches on core American values. Throughout our history, becoming a citizen has meant joining our national community, with all the rights and responsibilities that entails.
As Clark County Democrats prepare to vote on this change on May 31, many are asking what it says about how we view American citizenship. Is it just one option among many, or does it still hold a special place in our political system?
For conservatives who believe in the founding principles and limited government, the answer is clear. Citizenship matters, and its meaning should not be watered down.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
