(GA Recorder) — A Georgia Republican senator’s proposal for a constitutional amendment barring noncitizens from voting was defeated on Monday.
Senate Pro Tempore Butch Miller said he plans to ask senators to reconsider his legislation Tuesday after Monday’s 33-14 vote fell five short of a two-thirds majority needed to pass a constitutional amendment referendum.
Several Democratic senators argued that Miller’s measure is an attempt to stir discord in order to gain political capital for his candidacy for lieutenant governor this year.
Miller described Senate Resolution 363 as “simple housekeeping” that would allow Georgia voters to decide whether to change the constitution so that it matches state law that already provides that only citizens who reside in Georgia are eligible to vote.
“The citizens’ vote would not be considered on a simple change of Georgia code,” he said. “When you’re usurping the vote of the citizens, you’re going in the wrong direction for freedom and democracy.”
Miller said he wants to prevent Georgia local governments from attempting to allow noncitizens to vote in municipal elections, as seen in other cities across the country including New York City.
Sen. Kim Jackson noted that Clarkston officials explored in 2016 allowing refugees with green cards to vote, but it was quickly ruled out because of state law.
“If that little town that wanted it could not have it happen, then we know it’s not possible because they tried,” the Stone Mountain Democrat said.
“If we’re going to make a constitutional amendment where we ask a question on a ballot, we need to make sure we’re using Georgians’ time well, making sure we’re asking questions that actually matter that impact real lives and make a real difference,” Jackson added.
Senate Majority Leader Mike Dugan said the comments from his Democrat colleagues about who should be allowed to vote don’t match their sentiment that the resolution is divisive.
“None of y’all have said this is a bad idea to have only citizens of the United States and citizens and residents of Georgia be able to vote,” the Carrollton Republican said.
The noncitizens proposal is one of the legislative changes that some high-ranking Republicans are pushing for in 2022, including another Miller bill that would eliminate absentee drop boxes.
The controversial voting overhaul passed by the Republicans last year is the subject of multiple federal lawsuits, which claim it disenfranchises Blacks and other marginalized groups.
Augusta Sen. Harold Jones said Monday that while citizenship should remain a requirement to vote, Miller’s proposal is about more than that.
“So why use the red button?” Jones asked. “ Because we have a law, whether intended or not, that will result in division of our electorate. It will cause them to scream at each other, call each other racists, call each other un-American and maybe even literally fight with each other.”
