Department of Justice investigators identified over 400 noncitizens registered to vote in Washington state, uncovering approximately 1,500 instances of illegal ballot casting. Federal officials requested that state authorities set aside affected ballots to safeguard election integrity and ensure that only verified U.S. citizens participate in federal elections.
How Were Noncitizens Registered to Vote in Washington?
Federal officials discovered that many green card holders were automatically registered through Washington state's Motor Voter program via the Department of Licensing. Some individuals were registered without their knowledge and subsequently received mail-in ballots. Officials noted that some registered noncitizens had voted in multiple elections dating back to the late 1980s, accounting for roughly 1,500 ballots cast.
The investigation revealed that some noncitizens registered to vote had participated in elections for decades, with certain individuals casting ballots up to 27 times. To protect the integrity of upcoming elections, federal officials requested Washington state set aside ballots from these identified individuals until their citizenship status is officially verified.
What Actions Are Federal Law Enforcement Taking?
Federal law enforcement agencies are expanding investigations nationwide to uphold election security laws. The Department of Homeland Security reported that dozens of noncitizens have been arrested across the country in a major voter fraud crackdown. Authorities warned that unlawful voter registration and voting carry severe legal consequences, including criminal charges and potential impacts on legal immigration status.
