WV House approves referendum about noncitizens voting in elections

The state House of Delegates on Tuesday approved a resolution that would let West Virginia voters decide whether to amend the state constitution to prohibit noncitizens from voting in elections. (Perry Bennett | West Virginia Legislative Photography)

The West Virginia House of Delegates on Tuesday unanimously approved a measure that aims to add language to the state constitution prohibiting non-citizens from voting in elections.

House Joint Resolution 21 would let West Virginia voters in the 2024 general election decide whether to add the following line to the constitution: “nor shall any person who is not a citizen of the United States be entitled to vote at any election held within this state.”

According to Mike Queen, deputy chief of staff for Secretary of State Mac Warner, state law prohibits noncitizens from registering to vote and casting a ballot in state elections, but the state constitution requires only state residency for voter participation.

“The proposed constitutional amendment solidifies U.S. Citizenship as a prerequisite for participating in our elections, which would require approval of the voters to change, not just a majority of the legislature in any given session,” Queen said.

A spokesman for the Secretary of State’s Office said the office did not propose the resolution and is not taking a position on it.

“This is a policy decision by the Legislature which will be put to the voters for approval,” Queen said. “The West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office will implement any changes required.”

Speaking about the resolution, Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, said he isn’t sure if the measure would change anything, but he liked that lawmakers are allowing voters to have a say on the matter.

“I hope we can do the same with reproductive health care in this state as well,” Pushkin said.

A resolution sponsored by House Democrats that would allow voters to decide on adding the right to reproductive freedom, including abortion, to the state constitution has so far not gotten traction in the Republican-led Legislature.

The resolution concerning non-citizen voting will next go to the Senate for consideration.

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