Surprising Findings in Georgia Voter Audit for Upcoming Elections

Person examining documents with a magnifying glass.

Georgia’s latest voter database audit has uncovered noncitizens improperly listed among the registered voters for the 2024 elections, stoking concerns about voter roll integrity and calling for urgent electoral reforms.

At a Glance

  • Georgia’s audit found 1,634 noncitizens attempting to register to vote.
  • 20 noncitizens successfully registered and were removed, with prosecutions underway.
  • Further checks identified 156 additional voter registrations for investigation.
  • Federal loopholes are identified as contributing to these registration issues.

Audit Findings and Actions

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger led the state’s first citizenship review of voter rolls to ensure only U.S. citizens can vote. The audit identified 1,634 noncitizens who attempted to register. Georgia’s procedures placed these individuals in a “pending citizenship” status to block them from voting. However, 20 improperly registered noncitizens were removed from voter rolls. Raffensperger stated, “All twenty of those voter registrations have been canceled, and all of them are being referred to local law enforcement for prosecution.”

The audit used cross-referencing techniques involving data from Georgia’s Department of Driver Services and the USCIS. The Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program assisted in identifying the noncitizens. Raffensperger emphasized that the audit is part of ongoing efforts to ensure election integrity.

Federal Loopholes and Suggestions for Reforms

Federal loopholes have been identified as contributing factors enabling noncitizens to register. Raffensperger and other officials are urging Congress to reform the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to enhance voter roll maintenance. Cleta Mitchell, an advocate for election integrity, commented on these vulnerabilities, stating, “It demonstrates that there are insufficient safeguards to keep noncitizens off the voter rolls in the first place. That is going to require changes in state and federal law.”

Raffensperger plans to press federal lawmakers to reconsider the current voter registration regulations and offer states greater autonomy to address such issues. He affirmed his commitment to safeguarding elections by stating, “Ensuring that only citizens are voting in Georgia’s elections is key to upholding the integrity of the vote in Georgia.”

Broader Implications for Election Integrity

Beyond Georgia, other states like Texas and Ohio have addressed similar challenges by removing noncitizens from their voter rolls. These findings highlight the necessity for updated policies and more robust election safeguards nationwide. Such measures would ensure that the sanctity of the electoral process remains intact, reflecting only the voices of eligible citizens. Raffensperger echoed this commitment, reinforcing the importance of adapting election security measures as technologies and tactics evolve.

As early voting continues through November 1 in Georgia, officials are keen on maintaining transparency and security. Former Senator Kelly Loeffler calls for the transparency promised by state officials, emphasizing a critical need for assurance.

Sources:

  1. Citizenship Audit Finds 1,634 Noncitizens Attempted to Register to Vote
  2. Georgia cleared hundreds of noncitizens from voter rolls, it just found 20 more