Ohio Election Sees Republican-Controlled Legislature Push to Restrict Voting Rights'

As the 2024 midterm elections approach, the state of Ohio is witnessing a heated debate over voting rights. At the center of this controversy is the Republican-controlled legislature's push to restrict voting access for non-citizens. The issue has been fueled by false and misleading claims about voting by undocumented immigrants.

In recent weeks, President Donald Trump has seized on the issue, using it to bolster his party's ongoing efforts to stoke fear about voter fraud. Speaking at an April 2 rally in Michigan, Trump referenced the murder of a local woman, Ruby Garcia, who was allegedly killed by her undocumented boyfriend. This incident has been cited as evidence of the need for stricter voting rules.

The multi-pronged effort to restrict voting rights has been advanced through congressional legislation and public statements from top election officials. One bill requires the State Board of Elections to remove anyone on a list of non-citizens from the voter rolls within five days. Another amendment would specify that no person who is not a citizen of the United States shall be allowed to vote in the state.

Despite Kentucky law already excluding non-citizens from registering to vote, voters will have the opportunity to enshrine this prohibition in the state Constitution in November. The ballot will also include all state House and half the Senate seats, as well as U.S. Congressional races.

The issue of voting by non-citizens has been a major talking point for Republicans, with 28% of respondents citing it as the country's most important issue in a recent Gallup poll. This sentiment is echoed by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, who vetoed a bill that would have restricted voting rights due to its provisions.

As the election season heats up, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will be successful in restricting voting access for non-citizens. One thing is clear, however: the issue of voting rights is poised to play a significant role in the 2024 midterm elections.

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