Earlier this month, New York voters approved a measure allowing non-citizens to vote in local elections. In response, Florida Senator Marco Rubio (R) questioned whether or not similar legislation could be introduced in the Sunshine State.
If introduced, Rubio questioned whether or not Florida Rep. Val Demings (D), his Senatorial challenger in the upcoming 2022 midterm election, would approve of such a measure. Further speculating Demings’ response, Rubio’s campaign released an email questioning her support, arguing that she should cosponsor Rubio’s legislation that would prevent non-citizens from being allowed to vote in Florida.
Citing that Demings recently commented that “American elections should be decided by Americans,” Rubio added that “Demings has radical views about elections, but given this acknowledgment, Demings should cosponsor Marco Rubio’s Protecting Our Democracy by Preventing Foreign Citizens from Voting Act.”
“The bill, which was introduced following New York City’s move to allow foreign citizens to vote in local elections, would prohibit federal funds from going to states and localities that permit foreigners to vote,” Rubio explained.
Rubio reminded his supporters that “earlier this year, Demings voted for H.R. 1, the For the People Act, which would overturn voter ID laws, publicly fund campaigns, permit same-day voter registration and expand voting by mail.” This, he believes, “would radically diminish the integrity of our elections.”
Elizabeth Gregory, the communications director for Marco Rubio for Senate, echoed in Rubio’s remarks, questioning “will Val Demings concede that Blue New York’s move to allow foreign citizens to participate in their elections goes too far?”
Calling for Demings’ support, Gregory expressed that “Floridians believe firmly in the integrity of our elections, and Demings should support this effort to ensure basic protections are put in place.”
Demings has not released a response to the Rubio campaigns' call, and she has not commented on whether similar legislation should be introduced in Florida.
