DeSantis Defends Prosecutions Of Noncitizens Accused Of Voting In U.S. Elections

 

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore/CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr

Miami Lakes, FL — In a press briefing held in Miami Lakes, Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) staunchly defended the state’s efforts to prosecute noncitizens accused of voting in U.S. elections. The Governor's comments came amidst growing scrutiny and concerns about the impact of these prosecutions on voter rights and election integrity.

DeSantis addressed questions about the investigation into alleged fraudulent activities surrounding voting petitions. He dismissed concerns about potential intimidation of supporters of a recent amendment, clarifying that the investigation focuses solely on fraudulent submissions. “If anyone submitted a petition accurately and is a valid voter, they're completely within their rights,” DeSantis stated. He explained that the investigations are targeting fraudulent activities, including instances where signatures did not match official records or involved deceased individuals.

“Examples of fraudulent petitions include submissions on behalf of deceased individuals and mismatched signatures,” DeSantis elaborated. “Our goal is to ensure that all signatures are valid. If someone’s signature doesn’t match, it’s essential to verify its authenticity. People committing fraud must be held accountable.”

The Governor emphasized the importance of upholding election laws to maintain the integrity of the voting process. He highlighted cases where individuals who were not U.S. citizens or were legally residing in the country were prosecuted for illegal voting. “We’ve had cases where noncitizens, after being misinformed, cast votes and then admitted their ineligibility. This cannot be allowed,” DeSantis asserted.

DeSantis also addressed concerns about multiple voting jurisdictions and other violations, such as those by sex offenders and convicted felons. He stressed that these instances are being actively pursued and enforced to prevent any abuse of the voting system.

The Governor expressed frustration with federal policies and practices that, in his view, contribute to voting irregularities. He criticized cities that have allowed noncitizens to register for local elections and compared this to the strict citizenship requirements in other countries. “Why would we allow noncitizens to vote? In countries like France or Japan, you must be a citizen to vote. It’s a fundamental principle of national elections,” DeSantis argued.

Furthermore, DeSantis connected the issue of noncitizen voting to broader concerns about border security and immigration policies. He claimed that the current administration's handling of immigration has led to increased risks, including potential terrorist threats. “The open border policies and the influx of illegal immigrants have created significant challenges. We need to uphold the sanctity of U.S. citizenship and ensure that only eligible voters participate in our elections,” he stated.

In conclusion, DeSantis reaffirmed Florida’s commitment to enforcing its election laws and addressing any fraudulent activities. He called for all citizens to respect and abide by the voting regulations, ensuring that the democratic process remains fair and secure.

Top 5 FAQs

1. What did Governor Ron DeSantis say about prosecuting noncitizens accused of voting?
   Governor DeSantis defended the prosecutions, stating they are focused on investigating and holding accountable those involved in fraudulent voting activities, including noncitizens.

2. What is the main focus of the current investigation?
   The investigation is targeting fraudulent voting petitions, including instances where signatures do not match official records or involve deceased individuals.

3. How does DeSantis justify prosecuting noncitizens who voted?
   DeSantis argued that noncitizens should not vote and that those who do so must be held accountable to protect the integrity of the electoral process.

4. What are some examples of voting fraud mentioned by DeSantis?
   Examples include submitting petitions on behalf of deceased individuals, mismatched signatures, and noncitizens voting after being misinformed about their eligibility.

5. How does DeSantis link noncitizen voting to broader issues?
   DeSantis connected noncitizen voting to broader concerns about immigration policies and border security, arguing that these issues impact the integrity of U.S. elections.