Pennsylvania is set to conduct an audit of its motor voter registration system following rising concerns about the registration of noncitizens. The scrutiny comes after Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro implemented automatic voter registration for those obtaining driver’s licenses or ID cards at PennDOT.
Under the new system, all applicants are automatically registered unless they opt out. Critics fear this could lead to noncitizens being inadvertently registered to vote. A report highlighted that over 628,000 noncitizens in the state possess a driver’s license or ID, amplifying these worries.
Pennsylvania Auditor General Timothy DeFoor announced the audit, which will assess the automatic registration process from January 1 to June 30. The evaluation aims to ensure compliance with the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 and determine whether the voter registration interface effectively excludes noncitizens.
The timing of the audit is noteworthy, as it will likely not impact the upcoming 2024 election. DeFoor has set a meeting deadline of October 4 for PennDOT, and the department will have 120 business days to respond to the audit findings.
When applying for a driver’s license, individuals are asked if they are U.S. citizens. Those who respond “no” face a follow-up question about canceling their voter registration. This process could confuse applicants, particularly those facing language barriers, potentially leading them to believe they are eligible to vote.
The Federalist reached out to PennDOT for comments regarding the audit and whether they expect to find noncitizens registered. However, there has been no response. As concerns about voter integrity grow, the audit may play a critical role in ensuring accurate voter registration in Pennsylvania.
