DHS Identifies More Than 256,000 Potential Noncitizens on Voter Rolls in Four States

The Department of Homeland Security identified more than 190,000 potential noncitizens on California voter rolls and 35,000 on New Jersey voter rolls. Its review placed the combined total above 256,000 across California, New Jersey, Nevada and Pennsylvania. A forthcoming DHS report states that at least 278,000 noncitizens are registered to vote in U.S.

Federal elections based on records examined in states reviewed to date. The states examined do not use the SAVE citizenship verification system. President Trump addressed the nation Thursday night and announced the release of a tranche of election material.

He is scheduled to deliver a primetime speech on election security Thursday evening that is expected to include a call for passage of the SAVE America Act. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the speech will focus on election security. The SAVE America Act would require proof of citizenship to register to vote.

The measure has passed the House in prior sessions but has not cleared the Senate due to procedural opposition. Federal law prohibits noncitizens from voting in U.S. elections, with penalties that include up to one year in prison and fines.

States are responsible for verifying voter eligibility. The Department of Justice sent letters last week to election officials warning that counting ineligible ballots could result in criminal prosecution. Nevada officials rejected the claims, citing data showing only 138 active voters without a driver’s license or SSN on file out of 2.1 million.