Texas is facing a legal challenge regarding proof of citizenship for voters. This issue stems from the investigation of 2,724 voters flagged as potential noncitizens. The Texas Secretary of State’s Office initially did not verify these voters against the records of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) before distributing the list to county election officials.
Details of the Investigation
County officials are tasked with determining the eligibility of flagged voters. They found that many of them registered through the DPS, an agency that requires proof of citizenship when issuing driver’s licenses or state IDs. The DPS keeps records such as birth certificates and passports that could verify voter eligibility.
Challenge in Accessing Proof of Citizenship
Celia Israel, responsible for voter registration in Travis County, contacted the state for assistance in confirming citizenship status. However, the Secretary of State’s Office, led by Jane Nelson, directed her to the DPS. Records indicate that DPS cited state law as a reason for not assisting directly.
- Celia Israel sent a letter to Nelson’s office seeking help.
- On November 21, Nelson stated her office would collaborate with DPS.
Problems with the SAVE Database
Texas officials used the SAVE database to identify potential noncitizen voters. However, the accuracy of this database has been questioned. Advocates raised concerns when the Trump administration revised it to ensure easier access for states.
- Out of 18 million registered voters, only 16 have had their citizenship confirmed across responding counties.
- In Collin County, 59 of 109 flagged voters registered via DPS.
- Bexar County flagged 201 voters; among which, 39 registered at DPS.
- Brazoria County indicated that almost half of the 48 flagged voters registered at DPS.
Legal and Procedural Concerns
Texas officials are being urged to investigate flagged matches thoroughly before taking any action. Nelson emphasized the importance of confirming data. She stated that information from the SAVE database should be treated as “weak matches,” necessitating further scrutiny.
Historical Context of Texas Voter Registration
Since 2008, the DPS has mandated proof of citizenship for issuing identification. In 2011, this requirement became law. Concerns about the accuracy of voter rolls have arisen repeatedly in Texas.
- Previously, Gov. Greg Abbott claimed 6,500 noncitizens were removed from voter rolls, a number later disputed.
- In 2019, the Secretary of State identified 95,000 potential noncitizens, many of whom were naturalized citizens.
Legislative Responses
Following the inaccuracies in past voter counts, Senate Bill 1 was enacted in 2021. This law mandates monthly data sharing between DPS and the Texas Secretary of State’s Office. The goal is to better ensure that voter registrations are accurate and that those flagged as noncitizens are properly vetted.
The integration of laws and an effective verification system are crucial as Texas heads towards future elections. As the legal challenge surrounding voter citizenship proof unfolds, it raises significant questions about voter access and electoral integrity.
