The hearing took place during deliberations on a Republican-sponsored bill that would require verification of lawful presence in the country to access certain public programs, including voter registration and driver’s licenses.
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Arizona Republican state Representative Alexander Kolodin questioned multiple left-wing lobbyists during a House committee hearing on Thursday, repeatedly asking whether only US citizens should be allowed to vote in Arizona elections and not getting a clear answer.
The hearing took place during deliberations on a Republican-sponsored bill that would require verification of lawful presence in the country to access certain public programs, including voter registration and driver’s licenses.
Kolodin, a supporter of voter reform measures, directed his questions at lobbyists representing progressive organizations present. He first questioned Hugo Polanco, a lobbyist with Crosote Partners representing Rural Arizona Engagement, a nonprofit focused on voter mobilization.
When asked whether people should be required to be United States citizens to vote in Arizona elections, Polanco responded, “I’m representing an organization and speaking to this bill.”
Kolodin pressed further, asking whether the organization believes only citizens should vote. Polanco replied that it was a question he would have to “go back” to answer. The committee chair interjected, agreeing that the response did not answer the question.
Kolodin then posed the same question to lobbyist Jodi Liggett, who was representing Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA). Asked whether the organization believes only US citizens should be allowed to vote, Liggett said she did not have an answer, but added that “certainly they believe all taxpayers should have access to democracy.”
Kolodin characterized that response as a “word salad” and followed up by noting that noncitizens in the state pay taxes, asking whether that meant they should be allowed to vote. Liggett responded that she did not “feel comfortable” making a statement on behalf of the organization.
Kolodin also questioned Caitlin Contreras of the American Civil Liberties Union, asking whether only US citizens should be permitted to vote. Contreras replied, “It is the ACLU’s position that voting should be fair and accessible, to everyone who is eligible.” The committee chair then responded, “That would be a US citizen, ma’am.”
