Posted on 07/27/2006 9:06:57 AM PDT by Spiff
Press Releases :: July 26, 2006
Will Adams, 202.226.6997
WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Tom Tancredo (R-CO), Chairman of the 104-Member House Immigration Reform Caucus, introduced a bill that would penalize states which refuse to require proof of U.S. citizenship for voting. Under the Voter Integrity Protection Act (VIP Act), states would need to see a valid photo ID proving U.S. Citizenship for voting or those states would have their federal highway funding cut by as much as 40 percent.
In some parts of our country, all residents are granted a de facto right to vote, regardless of whether or not they are citizens. Such widespread voter fraud blurs the line between residency and citizenship and it reinforces the message that you dont need to be an American to have every right and privilege of American citizenship. If even non-citizens can vote, what value does American citizenship have anymore? said Tancredo. Illegal votes undermine our democracy. The VIP Act would help preserve the integrity of our democratic system, which is one of the most important responsibilities we have in Congress.
Only U.S. citizens are legally qualified to vote. But that hasnt stopped what is believed to be a widespread practice of voter fraud. Most recently in the 50th Congressional District in California, Democrat Francine Busby told a largely Hispanic audience a few days before the election, You don't need papers for voting. Rep. Brian Bilbray ending up winning the election by 7,000 votes, but at the time of the statement polls showed that the race was a dead heat.
Illegal votes may have made the difference in at least one Congressional election. In 1996, Rep. Bob Dornan lost his Orange County, California seat to Loretta Sanchez by fewer than 1,000 votes. State elections officials found that at least 300 votes in that election were cast illegally by non-citizens.
In many states today, you can register to vote without ever being required to show that you are a citizen. Motor-voter registration and a rise in absentee ballots have only exacerbated voter fraud. If certain states are really so committed to protecting illegal aliens who vote, let them put their money where their mouth is and take a hard hit in federal funding, said Tancredo.
The VIP Act stipulates that state and local election officials may not provide a ballot for an election for federal office (including a provisional ballot) to any individual unless the person presents a photographic copy of a document whether voting in person or by mail providing proof that the person is a U.S. citizen. A motor vehicle drivers license will not be considered as a document which provides proof of citizenship unless the state issuing the license requires proof of citizenship as a condition of receiving the license.
Beginning in 2008, states which do not comply with the VIP Act would sacrifice 10 percent of their federal highway funding, and they would see an additional 10 percent cut in funding each year for an additional three years, or until they have come into compliance with the Act. If the states comply with the Act during the first four years, they will receive their entire lost federal highway funding in future appropriations.
The bill also provides funding to make free photo identifications available in order to avoid any challenges based on the 24th Amendments prohibition of poll taxes.
Personally, I think it's a waste of time. Tancredo and Congress need to focus on getting rid of our illegal population and stopping the flow of illegals into the country.
That will do more to reduce voter fraud then this bill or the new DL requirements will.
Those are caucus members.
Birth certificates do not have photos.
You make a valid point about resident aliens, green card holders, etc. who can legally obtain drivers licenses. Yes, they should be able to obtain such licenses, however it should be stamped clearly on the license that the holder is NOT a U.S. resident. Many states issue licenses that have such a stamp in red lettering or similar that states that a minor is under the age of 21 and such. It is not a new thing. Either that, or states must issue a separate voter ID which includes a photo.
.....that would be cost prohibitive I would think when the states need resources other places....every two years seems extreme...but like a driver's license...maybe every 6 or so. but I totally agree that we need to show ID at the polling place...hell......I've always thought that....illegal aliens or not......too many dead citizens voting Dem too......
The best plan is to stop the flow of illegals and remove the illegals that are here.
Less illegals means less fraud.
I disagree. Making it more difficult, even by providing a BC that may be fraudulent, will keep 90% of the non citizens from voting. Most only do it because it is easy.
You misunderstand. The Congressional Immigration Reform Caucus was founded and is chaired by Rep. Tom Tancredo. They're the good guys.
ping
I respectfully disagree. If we can stop voter fraud (mostly done by democrat supporters) then there will be more republicans in office and a better chance of real progress on the immigration front. This is a means to an end.
Since we already have "motor-voter" in place, it would seem that each motor vehicle department should be able to produce a laminated voter registration card with photo.
Personally, I believe it would be a good thing to make voter registration a bit more difficult.
States can now issue licenses which signify underage drivers, or note driver restrictions such as needing corrective eye wear. So, a Drivers License can be issued to legal nonresidents, with a seal or stamp, or other mark indicating the driver is not a citizen.
Those who don't want non-citizens identified to keep our republic OURS...will always find something wrong with required ID, they will not want to find a solution.
Oh ya.
in my state, it is estimated there are over 300,000 illegals having signed up to vote. of course the party in control of my state, the demonrats, love the new illegal voters. I'm will to bet this bill is going nowhere, and if the bill does pass and is signed into law, who will enforce it?
LOL, we control the WH and all of Congress and can't get real progress on the immigration front.
A driver's license with certified birth certificate should do. A "citizenship" card could easily be implemented. But, I see no issue with a passport either.
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