The Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) recently acknowledged a significant error in registering at least 306 non-citizens to vote in U.S. elections. This revelation came to light on Friday, with officials attributing the wrongful registrations to a program that automatically enrolled individuals who obtained a driver's license or state ID since 2021.
Despite the lapse, state authorities are actively working to rectify the situation before Election Day, anticipating the discovery of more improper registrations. Notably, Oregon has permitted non-citizens to acquire driver's licenses since 2019, with only two of the identified 306 individuals having cast ballots in an election post-2021.
Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade assured that the affected individuals would be notified via mail and required to demonstrate their eligibility to vote before receiving a ballot. Griffin-Valade and Governor Tina Kotek defended the state's automatic voter registration program, emphasizing its benefits despite the recent oversight.
Meanwhile, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, who has been actively addressing illegal voter registration in Ohio, underscored the challenges associated with automatic voter registration nationwide. LaRose highlighted the complexities of verifying voter rolls, mentioning the utilization of DMV data and the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database to ascertain registrants' status.
While Oregon grapples with the aftermath of the erroneous registrations, the incident has sparked broader discussions on the efficacy and potential pitfalls of automatic voter registration programs across states. As states navigate the intricacies of voter registration processes, ensuring the integrity of voter rolls remains a paramount concern in upholding the sanctity of elections.
