Protecting the integrity of the American democratic system is a crucial task for Congress. It is essential to prevent aliens, whether legal or illegal, from unlawfully registering and voting, influencing elections through financial contributions, and distorting representation in federal, state, and local elections. While states play a role in safeguarding their citizens from alien interference in elections, Congress holds authority over all aliens under the naturalization clause.
Alien registration and voting pose significant concerns. Instances of aliens registering and voting have been documented in various states, highlighting the need for better safeguards to prevent such activities. Studies suggest that a significant number of aliens may be registered to vote, with some potentially casting illegal votes in elections. Efforts to address this issue, such as providing state officials access to relevant federal databases and requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration, are needed to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
Foreign interference in state referenda elections is another area of concern. While federal laws prohibit foreign participation in candidate elections, they do not always extend to referenda and issue-based ballot measures. Amendments to existing laws, such as the Federal Election Campaign Act, could help prevent foreign interference in these types of elections.
Apportionment and redistricting based on the total population, including aliens, can distort representation in the House of Representatives and impact electoral outcomes. Efforts to restore the citizenship question on the census form and remove aliens from apportionment calculations are crucial to ensuring fair representation for American citizens. The exclusion of aliens from apportionment could result in changes in congressional representation for several states.
In conclusion, addressing issues related to alien participation in elections, foreign interference, and fair representation is essential to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and protect the rights of American citizens.Congress must take action to address these challenges and safeguard the democratic system for all citizens.
