# Plain Language Summary of H. RES. 866

This is a resolution—basically a formal statement of opinion—that expresses the House of Representatives' position against allowing undocumented immigrants to vote. It doesn't actually change any laws or create new voting rules. Instead, it's a declaration that says allowing non-citizens and undocumented immigrants to participate in elections weakens the value of voting for U.S. citizens and threatens election integrity.

The resolution specifically calls out two cities that have already allowed non-citizens to vote in local elections: San Francisco, which permits non-citizens to vote in school board elections, and New York City, which allows non-citizens to vote in municipal elections for positions like mayor and city council. The resolution argues that these policies undermine the importance of citizenship and voting rights. It emphasizes that while the Constitution already prohibits non-citizens from voting in federal elections (for president, Congress, etc.), some cities have created their own rules for local elections.

In practical terms, this resolution doesn't stop anyone from voting or change existing voting laws—it's more like Congress saying "we think this is a bad idea." The real impact is political: it signals opposition to the trend of cities expanding voting rights to non-citizens and could influence future policy discussions about voting eligibility. For most people, this won't directly affect their ability to vote, but it reflects an ongoing debate about who should be allowed to participate in elections and what citizenship means in American democracy.

Recognizing that allowing illegal immigrants the right to vote devalues the franchise and diminishes the voting power of United States citizens.

Davis, Rodney

 <p>This resolution recognizes that allowing illegal immigrants and noncitizens the right to vote devalues the franchise, and diminishes the voting power, of U.S. citizens.<br /></p>