Liza Burrell-Aldana, an accomplished public school educator and recent recipient of The Post’s Principal of the Year award, shared a troubling experience she encountered while voting in Fairfax County, Virginia. On Thursday evening, a poll worker questioned her citizenship, asking her twice if she was indeed a citizen, and inquired if she had proof of her citizenship. Burrell-Aldana, who emigrated from Colombia in 2002 and became a U.S. citizen in 2011, expressed confusion over the request, stating that she had not been subjected to such inquiries during her previous voting experiences in three presidential elections.
This incident reflects broader tensions influenced by political rhetoric, particularly from figures like former President Donald Trump and various Republican leaders, who have unfoundedly claimed that noncitizens are voting en masse. Governor Glenn Youngkin of Virginia has supported measures to scrutinize voter rolls, raising concerns among voting rights activists that this could intimidate legitimate voters.
In Virginia, it is illegal for poll workers to ask for anything other than a form of identification when verifying a voter’s eligibility. Ryan Snow, a voting rights attorney, emphasized the dangers of such questioning, highlighting that it could discourage eligible voters from participating in elections. Efforts by noncitizens to vote are statistically insignificant, as evidenced by a recent audit in Georgia which revealed just 20 noncitizens registered to vote out of 8.2 million total voters.
After Burrell-Aldana’s experience, officials from Fairfax County’s Office of Elections confirmed the poll worker’s removal for violating established procedures. The incident occurred after the worker noted a “restriction” on Burrell-Aldana’s driver’s license, which was clarified by a manager.
Despite her disheartening experience, Burrell-Aldana remains steadfast in her belief in civic responsibility. She recognizes the importance of voting and hopes her story will encourage others to persevere in their right to participate in democracy. She also contemplates the potential impact of such questioning on new voters, expressing concern over the atmosphere of suspicion that could lead to disengagement from the electoral process.
Burrell-Aldana’s resolve highlights the need for vigilance in protecting voting rights and ensuring that every citizen feels empowered to engage in their civic duties, regardless of their background. This story serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity and respect in the democratic process, and the persistent need for advocacy against unfair practices that may discourage participation.