Oregon Removes 1,200 Non-Citizens from Voter Registry to Ensure Election Integrity

Voting booths with American flags and "VOTE" signs.

Oregon officials have removed over 1,200 non-citizens from the state’s voter registry, reinforcing the importance of citizenship in the electoral process.

At a Glance

1,259 non-citizens were removed from Oregon’s voter rolls
Only nine of those removed had voted since 2021
The error stemmed from Oregon’s policy allowing non-citizens to obtain driver’s licenses
County clerks are investigating the nine cases of potential illegal voting
DMV has implemented new safeguards to prevent future registration errors

Oregon Takes Action to Ensure Voter Integrity

Oregon’s Secretary of State’s office has taken decisive action to protect the integrity of the state’s elections by removing 1,259 non-citizens from voter rolls. This move comes as part of a broader effort to ensure that only eligible U.S. citizens participate in the democratic process, particularly as the nation approaches the crucial 2024 election.

The error was discovered during a routine review of voter registration data. Officials found that these individuals had been improperly registered to vote, largely due to a policy allowing non-citizens to obtain driver’s licenses coupled with Oregon’s automatic voter registration system at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Minimal Impact on Past Elections

While the discovery of non-citizens on voter rolls is concerning, the impact on past elections appears to be minimal. Of the 1,259 individuals removed, only nine had cast ballots since 2021. These nine cases are now under rigorous investigation by county clerks to determine if any illegal voting occurred.

It’s important to note that these nine individuals represent a minuscule fraction of Oregon’s three million registered voters. However, even a small number of potentially illegal votes underscores the need for constant vigilance in maintaining the integrity of our electoral system.

The Oregon government only learned about the registering of noncitizens to vote because of an outside think tank inquiry. They are NOT working to keep the voter rolls clean. https://t.co/RYEYofDpDq

— Oregon GOP (@Oregon_GOP) September 20, 2024

Preventive Measures and Future Safeguards

In response to this incident, the Oregon DMV has implemented new safeguards to prevent similar errors in the future. These measures include reordering drop-down menu options, adding confirmation prompts, and conducting daily quality checks by office managers to ensure document accuracy.

“Election integrity and security is of vital importance to us, and the DMV and the Secretary of State take the issue incredibly seriously,” Kris Strickler, director of the Oregon Department of Transportation, told reporters on Monday. The agencies “have continued to implement swift corrective action to ensure that this data processing error will not impact the 2024 election or future elections.”

Governor Tina Kotek has called for additional steps, including updated staff training and a comprehensive error report. These proactive measures demonstrate Oregon’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of electoral integrity.

Looking Ahead to the 2024 Election

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the scrutiny of voter rolls nationwide has intensified. Oregon’s swift action in addressing this issue serves as a model for other states in their efforts to safeguard the electoral process.

Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade has assured Oregonians that the upcoming November election “will not be affected by this error in any way.”

While the discovery of non-citizens on voter rolls is concerning, Oregon’s prompt and transparent response demonstrates a commitment to preserving the integrity of its elections. As we move closer to the 2024 election, voters can take comfort in knowing that officials are working diligently to ensure that every vote cast is legal and that the voice of every eligible citizen is heard.