Summary of HR 884: Prohibition of Noncitizen Voting in D.C.
Bill Overview
- Bill Number: HR 884
- Title: To prohibit individuals who are not citizens of the United States from voting in elections in the District of Columbia and to repeal the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022.
- Introduced: January 31, 2025
- Status: Received in the Senate, read twice, and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Purpose and Intent
The primary purpose of HR 884 is to ensure that only U.S. citizens are allowed to vote in elections held in the District of Columbia (D.C.). This bill seeks to repeal the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022, which permitted noncitizens, including undocumented immigrants, to participate in local elections. Proponents argue that voting is a fundamental right of citizenship and that allowing noncitizens to vote undermines the electoral process and the principle of democratic governance.
Key Provisions
Prohibition on Noncitizen Voting:
- The bill explicitly states that individuals who are not U.S. citizens cannot vote in any election for public office in D.C., including local ballot initiatives and referendums.
Repeal of Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act:
- The legislation repeals the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 (D.C. Law 24–242), restoring any provisions of law that were amended or repealed by this Act.
Impact
Affected Parties:
- The bill primarily affects noncitizens residing in D.C. who were previously allowed to vote under the 2022 amendment. It also impacts the electoral landscape in D.C. by reinforcing the notion that voting is a right reserved for citizens.
Political Context:
- The bill has garnered bipartisan support, reflecting concerns among lawmakers about the implications of noncitizen voting. Notably, the D.C. Act faced opposition from various political figures, including D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, and received significant backing in the House, where a resolution of disapproval was supported by 260 members.
Legislative History
Committee Consideration:
- The bill was reviewed by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which reported it favorably with amendments on June 4, 2025. A previous, identical bill (H.R. 192) passed the House in May 2024.
Voting Record:
- On June 10, 2025, HR 884 passed in the House with a vote of 266 to 148.
Procedural Aspects
- Next Steps:
- Following its passage in the House, HR 884 was sent to the Senate, where it has been read twice and referred to the appropriate committee for further consideration.
Conclusion
HR 884 represents a significant legislative effort to restrict voting rights in the District of Columbia to U.S. citizens only. By repealing the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022, the bill aims to reaffirm the principle that voting is a privilege of citizenship, amidst ongoing debates about electoral integrity and representation in local governance.
