The Republican-led House recently passed the Equal Representation Act, a bill aimed at reinstating a citizenship question on the decennial census and excluding non-U.S. citizens from being counted when determining the number of congressional seats and Electoral College votes each state has. While it might seem redundant to some, there are several crucial reasons why voters should care about this bill.

First and foremost, it’s essential to understand that although it’s already illegal for non-citizens to vote in federal elections, yet they are still counted for allocating House seats and Electoral votes. 

Part of the Equal Representation Act mandates the inclusion of a citizenship question on the decennial census. This simple yet crucial addition ensures that only U.S. citizens are counted when determining the number of congressional seats and Electoral College votes each state has. The question proposed is straightforward: “Are you a citizen of the United States?” This measure is to prevent non-citizens from being counted towards apportionment for congressional districts and the Electoral College.

This means that areas with higher numbers of non-citizens receive more political power, even though these individuals are not eligible to vote. This creates an unfair advantage for areas with high populations of non-citizens, undermining the principle of equal representation for U.S. citizens. The Equal Representation Act seeks to rectify this imbalance by ensuring that only U.S. citizens are counted when determining political representation.

Every House Democrat voted against the bill. This raises the question: why would elected officials oppose a measure that seeks to ensure fair and equal representation for American citizens? The answer lies in the unfortunate truth that some politicians prioritize their own political interests over the principles of fairness and democracy.

In a brazen admission, New York Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, a Democrat, openly stated, “I need more people in my district just for redistricting purposes.” Undoubtedly, Clarke is more concerned with manipulating electoral boundaries to maintain her power than with upholding the constitution and principles of fair representation. 

Congressman Edwards of North Carolina, the House sponsor of the bill, emphasized the necessity of this citizenship question. He reminded us that the citizenship question had been a part of every census since 1820 until it was removed in 1960. However, the significant impact of illegal immigration today demands its reinstatement. Edwards rightly pointed out that the effect of illegal immigration on our nation is undeniable and a top concern for about 70% of all Americans. It is imperative that only American citizens and their interests are represented in Congress. In his first term, President Trump required this question to be asked on the census. Biden had it removed.

By passing the Equal Representation Act, Congress can reaffirm its commitment to fair and equal representation for all American citizens. This bill would ensure that only U.S. citizens are counted when determining congressional seats and Electoral College votes, thereby preventing the dilution of American citizens’ political power. The Senate needs to pass the bill and send it President Biden desk.