Conservatives in Nevada propose to modify an existing law to stop non-citizens from voting in elections.
Assemblywoman Jill Dickman, a Republican in Washoe County, introduced Assembly Bill 372 (AB372), saying it is needed to protect election integrity and ensure only U.S. citizens can cast ballots.
AB372 clarifies that ONLY U.S. citizens aged 18 and over who meet specific residency requirements can register to vote in Nevada.
The bill updates the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS 293.485) to explicitly state that “only a citizen of the United States” may vote, closing any potential loopholes that might allow non-citizens to register and participate in elections.
Currently, the law reads that “every” citizen has a right to vote. But that leaves open the possibility for NON-citizens to vote, as well, which is already occurring in other cities and towns in other states.
Examples of Non-Citizens Voting
There have been cases where non-citizens have illegally voted.
For example, in 2020, officials in Texas found that thousands of non-citizens were registered to vote, with some even casting ballots.
In California, non-citizens were accidentally registered to vote through the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) system, leading to concerns about potential illegal voting.
A recent situation in Clark County was escalated to the Secretary of State, where a permanent resident (i.e. a green card holder) was automatically registered to vote by the Department of Motor Vehicle while renewing his driver’s license.
This happened despite his clear indication on the registration form that he was not a US citizen and did not want to register.
It took him two years to initiate and complete his removal from the voter registration file. He received mail ballots for three different elections before his record was set straight.
“We need to be proactive,” said Assemblywoman Dickman. “This bill is about preventing problems before they occur. It’s a common-sense measure.”
Why Supporters Want Proof of Citizenship
Many conservatives believe that the integrity of elections is at risk without stronger safeguards. They argue that allowing non-citizens to vote dilutes the voices of American citizens.
“Our elections are sacred,” said Chuck Muth, president of Citizen Outreach Foundation. “We can’t allow any loopholes that might let non-citizens vote. Every legitimate vote should count, and only legitimate votes should count.”
Supporters also say that during the COVID-19 pandemic, many temporary voting measures, such as expanded mail-in voting, increased the risk of voter fraud.
They see this bill as a way to bring back stricter controls and restore trust in the electoral process.
Critics Say the Bill Could Suppress Votes
Not everyone agrees with the proposed change.
Critics, including some Democrats and voting rights groups, say that requiring proof of citizenship could make it harder for eligible voters to register.
They argue that it could especially affect minority voters, low-income individuals, and older adults who may not have easy access to documents like a birth certificate or passport.
But Assemblywoman Dickman and other supporters of the bill say these worries are overblown. They argue that most Americans already have or can obtain the necessary documents without hardship.
A Broader National Trend
Nevada is not the only state considering such laws. Across the country, Republican lawmakers are introducing similar bills.
States like Arizona, Florida, and Georgia have already passed laws to tighten voting rules, including stricter ID requirements and limits on mail-in voting.
A 2021 poll by the Associated Press found that 72% of Americans support requiring proof of citizenship to vote. Supporters of the bill say this shows that voters want stronger election security measures.
What’s Next?
The bill should be debated in the Nevada legislature in the coming months – unless the Democrat majority kills it by refusing to hold hearings or a vote on the bill.
If it passes, Nevada will join other states in adopting tougher voting laws. Supporters hope it will help restore trust in elections and prevent any potential voter fraud.
Critics are expected to challenge the bill, possibly in court, arguing that it violates voting rights. But conservatives remain firm, saying the measure is not about stopping legal voters but about keeping elections fair and honest.
“This isn’t about politics,” said Assemblywoman Dickman. “It’s about protecting the rights of American citizens and ensuring that our elections remain free, fair, and secure.”
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
