WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today joined Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) in introducing the Protecting Our Democracy by Preventing Foreign Citizens from Voting Act to prohibit federal funding to states and localities that allow non-citizens to vote.

“Allowing non-citizens to vote in our elections makes a mockery of U.S. citizenship. Some Americans were born here, and some immigrated here legally, but no citizen should have his or her vote nullified by a foreign citizen’s ballot. I’m proud to partner with Sen. Rubio to stop federal funds from flowing to states or localities that undermine Americans’ voting rights,” said Kennedy.

“It’s ridiculous that states are allowing foreign citizens to vote. However, if states and localities do let those who are not U.S. citizens to vote in elections, they shouldn’t get U.S. citizen taxpayer money,” said Rubio.

The Protecting Our Democracy by Preventing Foreign Citizens from Voting Act would:

• Prohibit federal funds from going to any state or local government that allows foreign citizens to vote in any federal, state or local election, and
• Require state or local governments, upon the application, approval and receipt of any federal funds, to certify they do not allow foreign citizens to vote.

Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) also cosponsored the legislation.

Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.) will introduce a companion bill in the House.