House Votes to Repeal D.C. Law Allowing Non-Citizen Voting in Local Elections

June 11, 2025
House Votes to Repeal D.C. Law Allowing Non-Citizen Voting in Local Elections
  • On June 10, 2025, the House of Representatives voted 266-148 to repeal a law that permitted non-citizens to vote in local elections in Washington, D.C.

  • This repeal follows a nearly unanimous vote by the D.C. City Council, which had allowed noncitizens to vote after residing in the city for just 30 days, a move criticized by some lawmakers as unjust and against federal law.

  • The legislation aims to reverse the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act, enacted by the D.C. Council in 2022, which enabled undocumented residents to participate in local elections.

  • Supporters of the repeal, including Rep. William Timmons, argue that only American citizens should decide elections, claiming the D.C. Council's decision threatens democratic integrity.

  • Rep. August Pfluger, who authored the voting bill, emphasized the need to overturn what he termed 'reckless measures' that compromise election integrity.

  • Concerns about election security were raised during the debate, with Rep. Bryan Steil noting that D.C. does not require photo ID for voters, which could lead to vulnerabilities.

  • Democrats countered that the repeal is unnecessary and could reverse vital reforms, with Rep. Melanie Stansbury arguing it threatens the rights of D.C. residents.

  • The legislative actions reflect ongoing tensions between House Republicans and D.C. officials, who have criticized Congress for micromanaging local affairs while ignoring budgetary needs.

  • Despite calls for expedited action from President Donald Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson, the House has yet to address a separate measure to reverse a recent $1.1 billion budget cut to D.C.

  • Opponents of the repeal, including some Democrats, accused Republicans of undermining the will of D.C. residents and exploiting immigration issues for political gain.

  • Both the voting repeal and a related policing bill will now move to the Senate for further consideration, where their future remains uncertain amid a GOP push for local governance oversight.

Summary based on 9 sources


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