# Plain Language Summary: Constitutional Amendment on Voting and Citizenship

This proposed amendment would change the U.S. Constitution to make it illegal for anyone who is not a U.S. citizen to vote in any election—federal, state, or local. Right now, federal law already prohibits non-citizens from voting in federal elections, but some states and cities have allowed non-citizens to vote in certain local elections, like school board or municipal races. This amendment would eliminate that possibility everywhere by making it a constitutional requirement.

The practical effect would be straightforward: only people who have gone through the naturalization process and become official U.S. citizens could cast a ballot anywhere in America. This would prevent permanent residents, visa holders, and other non-citizens from participating in local elections, even if they've lived in a community for years and pay local taxes. For example, a person with a green card who has lived in the same town for a decade and sends their kids to local schools would no longer be able to vote on school budgets or local measures, even if they currently have that right under their city's rules.

Because this is a constitutional amendment rather than a regular law, it would require approval from two-thirds of both the House and Senate, plus ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures. This is a much higher bar than passing a typical bill. The amendment would essentially override any state or local laws that currently allow non-citizens to vote in local elections, creating a uniform national standard that ties voting rights exclusively to citizenship status.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit voting in Federal, State, or local elections by individuals who are not citizens of the United States.

Tenney, Claudia

 <p>This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment that prohibits an individual who is not a U.S. citizen from voting in federal, state, or local elections for public office or voting on any ballot initiative or referendum held in the United States.</p>