Crackdown on illegal immigrants voting in DC elections launched by Senate GOP

However, state and municipal leaders have the ability to allow illegal immigrants to vote in lower-tier elections, and Washington, D.C., is one of several that has.

Congress, meanwhile, has unique constitutionally-explicit leverage over the governance of the District on any matter, including local affairs and the overturning of council-passed laws.

"This isn't just about local school boards or fixing potholes. This is about the direction of our nation's capital," Britt said.

"I am hopeful we gain bipartisan support in the Senate for this commonsense bill--it is our duty to protect the votes of hardworking American citizens and those who came to our country legally and took the time and effort to go through the naturalization process. Ultimately, this is about strengthening the integrity of our elections."

Her daughter, who was 4 years old at the time, said she is voting to help address "wealth inequality and police brutality" among other concerns. 

In the House, Rep. August Pflueger, R-Texas, is championing companion legislation. While Britt's bill so far only has Republican co-sponsors, Pflueger's effort has garnered about 50 Democratic supporters.

In addition to Washington, select communities in Maryland, New York and Vermont - plus California in certain school board races - allow illegal immigrant voting.

The first city to allow it was Takoma Park, Maryland, back in 1992. 

Current Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., helped spearhead that "Share The Vote" effort in the community, which abuts the nation's capital to its northeast.