In a significant move to uphold election integrity, a coalition consisting of 16 state attorneys general, spearheaded by South Carolina’s Alan Wilson and Ohio’s Dave Yost, has formally requested access to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) non-citizen database. This effort is particularly crucial as the nation gears up for the upcoming November elections. A letter directed to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas expresses deep concerns regarding the agency’s insufficient collaboration with states in verifying voter registration information. Emphasizing the right to vote, the attorneys general demand federal cooperation, asserting that states are legally bound to protect the electoral process.
Among those joining Wilson and Yost in this coalition are attorneys general from states such as Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming. This united front underscores their belief that verifying the citizenship status of registered voters is vital for maintaining trust in the electoral system. The letter highlights that effective collaboration between federal and state authorities is not merely a recommendation but a legal obligation, reinforcing the foundational principle that voting rights belong exclusively to American citizens.
The coalition emphasizes that federal law mandates states to maintain accurate voter registration databases while prohibiting the processing of noncitizen ballots. To fulfill these responsibilities and comply with federal requirements, states need direct access to federal databases. The DHS is required to facilitate this verification process in order to ensure the integrity of elections. The attorneys general argue that timely access to necessary information from DHS is essential for states to uphold their electoral obligations, particularly as the November elections approach rapidly.
In their letter, the attorneys general cite ongoing frustrations with DHS’s responses, which have been characterized by delays and inadequate information. They express concern over DHS’s refusal to grant access to its Person Centric Query Service (PCQS) database, which would allow for more efficient verification of voter registrants. The coalition argues that it is the DHS’s statutory duty to respond to state inquiries regarding citizenship status, and the agency’s current position undermines the states’ ability to validate their voter registration processes.
The letter further elaborates on the limitations presented by the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program. The attorneys general contend that reliance on SAVE, which requires a DHS identifier for searches, is insufficient for the needs of individual states. They point out that the necessary identifiers are often not readily available to them, thereby complicating the verification process. Meanwhile, fees associated with accessing SAVE present additional barriers that hinder states from obtaining vital citizenship information.
The coalition urges DHS to fulfill its legal obligations and provide states with the necessary verification information promptly. Citing the imminent elections and the early voting that has already begun in several states, the attorneys general remind DHS of its responsibility to aid states in their efforts to protect election integrity. They call for a detailed plan to respond to outstanding requests for verification information in a timely manner. The overarching sentiment within this collective effort is a commitment to ensuring that only U.S. citizens participate in elections, reinforcing the belief that the privilege of voting is reserved solely for American citizens.