597 Noncitizens Referred for Prosecution by Ohio Official for Illegal Voting

Ensuring the integrity of elections is one of the most critical issues facing democracies around the world, and the United States is no exception. Voter fraud, particularly illegal voting by non-citizens, has become a hotly debated topic in recent years. Although the scale of the problem remains contentious, actions taken by states like Ohio demonstrate that voter fraud, no matter the extent, is being taken seriously. The latest figures reported by Ohio’s Secretary of State Frank LaRose highlight the ongoing efforts to prevent illegal voting and protect the sanctity of the ballot box.

Voter Fraud in Ohio: By the Numbers

Frank LaRose recently announced the referral of 597 non-citizens for possible prosecution after they were found to have either registered to vote or cast ballots illegally in recent elections. Of these cases, 138 non-citizens were found to have illegally cast votes, while an additional 459 non-citizens registered to vote but did not participate in the election.

These numbers represent a significant increase compared to prior years. For example, in 2022, only 148 non-citizens were referred for prosecution, and in 2021, 117 cases were referred. This growing trend suggests that the state of Ohio is stepping up its efforts to combat illegal voting and safeguard electoral integrity.

Identifying Non-Citizen Voters

The process of identifying and removing non-citizens from Ohio’s voter rolls is both rigorous and complex. The state uses a variety of tools and databases to identify non-citizen voters. One of the primary resources used in this process is the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) database. When individuals apply for a state driver’s license or ID, their citizenship status is recorded. This data is then cross-referenced with voter registration records to identify non-citizens who may be improperly registered to vote.

Another crucial resource is the federal SAVE database, which helps verify the immigration status of individuals. However, as Secretary LaRose points out, the process is far from perfect. Ohio has had to overcome federal government inaction and bureaucratic challenges that make the process slower and less efficient than it could be. LaRose has expressed his support for federal legislative reforms, such as the SAVE Act, that would streamline this process and improve states’ abilities to identify and remove non-citizens from the voter rolls.

The Consequences of Illegal Voting

For non-citizens, illegally registering to vote or casting a ballot can carry severe consequences. In Ohio, as in many other states, knowingly voting as a non-citizen is considered a felony. If convicted, non-citizens can face deportation and permanent bars from re-entry into the United States.

LaRose’s office has made it clear that the intent is not to punish individuals who may have mistakenly registered to vote or believed they were eligible, but rather to enforce the law and maintain the integrity of the state’s elections. Non-citizens who are found to be improperly registered are given the opportunity to voluntarily remove themselves from the voter rolls without facing prosecution, provided they have not cast a ballot.

Ohio’s Commitment to Voter Integrity

Ohio’s efforts to clean up its voter rolls go beyond targeting non-citizens. Secretary LaRose recently conducted an audit of the state’s voter registration database, resulting in the removal of nearly 155,000 outdated and inactive registrations. This audit is part of a broader effort to ensure that Ohio’s voter rolls remain accurate and up-to-date. These measures are intended to prevent potential voter fraud and give Ohioans confidence that their elections are free and fair.

Addressing the Criticism

Efforts to combat voter fraud have not been without controversy. Some critics argue that these initiatives could result in voter suppression, particularly among minority communities and naturalized citizens who may be unfairly targeted or disenfranchised. However, LaRose and his supporters contend that the actions being taken are necessary to comply with both state and federal law, which require that only citizens are allowed to vote.

In fact, LaRose’s office has made efforts to minimize disruption for naturalized citizens. As part of the voter roll clean-up process, individuals who were previously non-citizens but have since naturalized are given the opportunity to provide documentation proving their citizenship before any action is taken against them. This step helps ensure that legitimate voters are not wrongfully removed from the rolls.

The Broader Debate on Voter Fraud in the U.S.

Ohio’s actions are part of a larger, nationwide debate over the prevalence and impact of voter fraud. Critics of voter fraud prevention efforts often point to the relatively small number of prosecuted cases as evidence that the issue is overblown. However, proponents argue that even a small number of illegal votes can have a significant impact in close elections, and that preventing fraud is essential to maintaining trust in the electoral process.

The 2020 presidential election and subsequent claims of widespread voter fraud have brought this issue to the forefront of American political discourse. While comprehensive studies have found that voter fraud is exceedingly rare, the actions taken by states like Ohio show that even isolated incidents of illegal voting are being taken seriously and addressed proactively.

Conclusion: Protecting the Integrity of Ohio’s Elections

As the numbers from Ohio demonstrate, voter fraud is not an issue to be taken lightly. The state’s ongoing efforts to identify and prosecute non-citizens who illegally register or vote show a commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process. While the debate over the true extent of voter fraud may continue, Ohio’s actions serve as a reminder that protecting the sanctity of the ballot box is a top priority for state leaders like Secretary LaRose. As election integrity remains a key issue for voters, Ohio’s work in this area could serve as a model for other states seeking to ensure that only eligible citizens have their voices heard at the ballot box.