DOJ Finds Over 400 Noncitizens Illegally Registered to Vote in Washington State

The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Monday that investigators have identified more than 400 noncitizens who illegally registered to vote in Washington state, with some casting ballots in multiple elections over several decades. Many of these individuals hold green cards, granting them legal immigration status and permanent residency, as reported by the U.S. Attorney’s offices for the Eastern and Western districts of Washington.

According to Neil Floyd, acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington, they have identified over 400 noncitizens who have registered and voted in several elections. He stated, “This is only the tip of the iceberg,” and assured continued efforts to uncover and prevent crimes related to illegal voting.

DOJ HAS VERIFIED 20,000 NONCITIZENS ON CALIFORNIA VOTER ROLLS, FEDERAL PROSECUTOR SAYS

The DOJ’s recent actions build upon their legal endeavors targeting Los Angeles County, where they have challenged approximately 20,000 mail-in ballots sent to individuals with questionable citizenship status.

Immigration officials informed Fox News Digital on Tuesday about nationwide arrests of dozens of noncitizens as part of a significant voter fraud crackdown. A photograph captured open vote-by-mail ballot envelopes stacked on a table at King County Elections in Renton, Washington.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Neil Floyd explained that the investigators used U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) records to pinpoint hundreds of noncitizen voters, some of whom applied for specific benefits while having voted. Floyd noted that while some individuals voted once or a few times, others participated in up to 27 elections. His office documented about 1,500 instances of noncitizens voting.

Floyd highlighted that noncitizens have been voting since before Washington’s transition to a mail-in voting system, with the earliest instances recorded around 1984. However, he did not verify whether any of these individuals voted in the upcoming midterms, seeking to avoid interfering with the current election.

The list of noncitizen voters represents only those who sought certain benefits in Washington state. Floyd speculated that including individuals without contact with authorities could increase this number to the thousands.

NINTH CIRCUIT QUESTIONS TRUMP DOJ’S EMERGENCY REQUEST TO SET ASIDE 20,000 CALIFORNIA MAIL BALLOTS

A resident drops off a vote-by-mail ballot in a secure drop box on October 2, 2020, in Chicago. According to federal officials, numerous green card holders were unknowingly registered to vote via Washington’s Motor Voter program, which integrates voter registration with driver’s license registration.

The Washington secretary of state’s website states automatic voter registration occurs only when residents provide proof of U.S. citizenship during a driver’s license or ID registration process. Federal officials and DOJ notices have prompted the identification of flaws in the voter registration system.

Officials have requested Washington state to set aside ballots cast by identified noncitizens until confirming their citizenship status. They underscored that voting as a noncitizen can complicate the path to U.S. citizenship, leading to possible criminal charges for fraudulent activities including making false statements in naturalization applications.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also reported illegal aliens admitting to unlawful voter registration or voting in U.S. elections. Out of the dozens of suspects arrested, at least 18 voted in a federal election, originating from diverse countries like Mexico, Somalia, Honduras, and others. Many face charges for various alleged crimes such as counterfeiting, fraud, assault, and burglary.