DOJ Identifies Over 400 Noncitizens Illegally Registered to Vote in Washington

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has uncovered over 400 noncitizens illegally registered to vote in Washington state. Some of these individuals have participated in elections over the years, with a significant number holding green cards, indicating legal immigration status.

Acting U.S. attorney for the Western District of Washington, Neil Floyd, remarked, “We have identified over 400 noncitizens who are registered to vote and have participated in multiple elections. This discovery is merely the beginning.” He added that investigations would continue to identify those involved in voting-related crimes.

Previously, the DOJ had taken legal steps in Los Angeles County, examining around 20,000 mail-in ballots linked to unresolved citizenship statuses. This nationwide effort has also resulted in numerous arrests of noncitizens.

Floyd explained that investigators matched noncitizen voters by reviewing records from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These records showed instances where people who applied for specific benefits had also voted. Some individuals voted once or a few times, but others cast ballots as many as 27 times, totaling approximately 1,500 illegal voting episodes.

Floyd noted that this practice goes back decades, with records dating to 1984. Although he has not checked if these votes impact the upcoming midterms, he plans to avoid any potential disruptions.

The figures provided might represent just a small segment of the broader situation. The list focuses on individuals who applied for benefits within Washington. Floyd speculated that the true number is likely higher.

Federal officials have disclosed that through Washington’s Motor Voter program, many green card holders might have unintentionally registered to vote. This program integrates voter registration within the Department of Licensing. The registration occurs when individuals provide documentation for a driver’s license or ID, assuming they are legally registered.

The DOJ’s findings have driven federal officials to scrutinize where the voter registration system failed. They are urging Washington to hold ballots from the identified group until verifying their citizenship status.

The announcement cautions that noncitizen voting can have dire consequences for those aiming to secure U.S. citizenship. Risks include criminal charges such as false statements in naturalization applications. There are also instances of broader criminal activities among those arrested, spanning various offenses like fraud and assault.