What is the Constitutional Amendment on Idaho’s Ballot this November, HJR 5.
By Greg Pruett • October 4, 2024What exactly is the Idaho Constitutional Amendment (House Joint Resolution 5) that will be on the ballot this November for Idaho voters?
First, HJR 5, and any Constitutional Amendment must be approved by the legislature before going to voters to be approved. HRJ 5 passed the Idaho House
There are two ballot measures that Idahoans will see when they vote. The first is Proposition 1, which will implement a top-four primary system along with Ranked Choice Voting for the general election. Idaho Dispatch has a page dedicated to that ballot measure which you can view by clicking here.
The other ballot measure is a Constitutional Amendment to Idaho’s Constitution Section 2 of Article VI. That section will be amended as follows (bolded section is the proposed change):
QUALIFICATIONS OF ELECTORS. Every male or female citizen of the United States, eighteen years old, who has resided in this state, and in the county where he or she offers to vote for the period provided by law, if registered as provided by law, is a qualified elector. No person who is not a citizen of the United States shall be a qualified elector in any election held within the state of Idaho.
On the ballot you will see an argument for and against the amendment. Here is the statement against the amendment:
“1. The proposed constitutional amendment is not needed because
United States citizenship is currently required for participation in
Idaho elections. Under current law, the Idaho Secretary of State
requires citizenship and proof of residency with respect to individuals
who register to vote, and it is a felony for an individual to provide
false information on an Idaho voter registration form. Additionally,
federal statute provides that it is a crime for a noncitizen to vote in any
federal election.2. The proposed amendment undermines local control of local elections.
The amendment would foreclose any opportunity in the future for
the Idaho Legislature or local governments in Idaho to authorize
noncitizens to vote in certain elections that might directly affect
their interests.3. Election fraud involving voting or attempts to vote by noncitizens is
not a significant issue in Idaho. Adding additional language to the
Idaho Constitution in an effort to solve a problem that is not occurring
could inadvertently create new problems or add an additional barrier
to registering to vote by new citizens and state residents.”Advertisement
Here is the text of the argument for the amendment:
“1. This constitutional amendment is needed to clarify that United
States citizenship is a requirement for eligibility to vote in Idaho
elections because the current language does not expressly prohibit
noncitizens from voting. The proposed amendment will ensure that
individuals who are not citizens of the United States do not vote in any
government election in the State of Idaho.2. Allowing noncitizens to vote in Idaho elections could lead to concerns
regarding election integrity and allow for foreign influence in Idaho
elections. The proposed constitutional amendment will protect the
State of Idaho from such issues.3. The amendment is also needed to clarify that the right to vote shall
not be granted in the future to individuals who are not citizens of
the United States. Noncitizens have been granted the right to vote in
some local elections across the United States. Legislation to expand
voting to noncitizens has been considered in other states and cities in
the United States.”
Amendments to the Idaho constitution begin in the Idaho legislature. Two-thirds of both chambers must pass the proposed amendment. If the amendment clears the Idaho legislature, it then goes to a vote of the people. The governor has no role in the amendment process.
HJR 5 passed the Idaho House 63-6 (one member was absent) with several Democrats joining all Republicans in voting for the amendment. In the Idaho Senate, the amendment was passed along party lines 28-6 (one member was absent) with all Republicans voting for it and all Democrats voting against the amendment.
Based on what you read about this proposed Idaho Constitutional Amendment, HJR 5, do you support or oppose it?
Tags: Citizen, Constitutional Amendment, HJR 5, Illegal Aliens, United States
Our politicians are a crime gang whether Ds or Rs.
The smart voters in Idaho have a very clear path. There’s really no debating that the right thing to do is:
-> Vote YES on HJR5 “Citizen Voters Only”: Idaho State Constitutional Amendment
> Vote NO on Idaho Proposition 1: “Idaho Open Primaries Act” ballot initiative
No one ever checks for US citizenship when we vote. You have to prove your residency, but not citizenship. Anyone can get a driver’s license or state ID. Checking for citizenship needs to be a thing.