Constitutional Amendment 1
Overview
The Louisiana Constitution requires a person who is casting a ballot to be at least 18 years old and a citizen of Louisiana.
Amendment 1 would add wording that would specify a voter needs to be both a citizen of the state and a citizen of the U.S. In 1996 the U.S. Congress passed a law to stop noncitizens from voting in federal elections for positions like the U.S. House, U.S. Senate and presidential. This law, however, doesn’t address local or state elections.
The proposed amendment would stop even local segments of government in Louisiana from allowing noncitizens to vote. We think it’s important to note some municipalities in other states have allowed non-US citizens to vote in their local elections.
There are barriers that stop non-citizens from lawfully becoming a citizen of the U.S. Non-citizens often don’t receive the education or support needed to actually become a U.S. citizen.
We don’t agree with discriminatory policies that stop people from being able to use their voice. Noncitizens contribute a lot to our society and they have power, they just are often blocked from using it.
A ‘no’ vote would keep the language in our state constitution the same. At the local level, cities and towns vote on their own propositions that allow them to operate in the interest of the people.
There are barriers that stop non-citizens from lawfully becoming a citizen of the U.S. Non-citizens often don’t receive the education or support needed to actually become a U.S. citizen. We don’t agree with discriminatory policies that stop people from being able to use their voice. Non-citizens contribute a lot to our society and they have power, they just are often blocked from using it.
Power Coalition recommends a no vote on Amendment one.