State Caught Allowing People of ‘Unknown Citizenship’ to Vote

Oregon’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is under intense scrutiny after revelations that it has been processing voter registrations for individuals with “unknown citizenship” status. The process hinges on applicants simply claiming they are eligible to vote, raising concerns about election integrity.

“If you don’t prove that you’re not a U.S. citizen, then you will be asked if you want to self-attest to being a citizen, and they will assist you with registering to vote,” Republican State Representative Ed Diehl told The Federalist.

Registration Without Proof

The controversy emerged after Democratic Governor Tina Kotek paused Oregon’s “motor voter” program last month. The pause followed a discovery that the system had allowed over 1,500 potential noncitizens to be added to voter rolls. However, the DMV continues to register voters using a self-certification method, according to Diehl.

“Instead of being optional — a side track basically for voter registration — it’s right now the only way,” Diehl said after an October meeting with DMV leaders.

Previously, the motor voter system forwarded voter registrations for individuals presenting identity documents that proved U.S. citizenship. This method is currently on hold while an external audit is conducted, according to Kevin Glenn, communications director for the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Glenn explained that under the revised process, if a person provides a document that does not prove or disprove citizenship, such as a foreign passport, they are asked to certify their eligibility to vote.

“They must self-certify they are a U.S. citizen,” Glenn said, adding that these registrations comply with the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.

Thousands Registered Without Proof

Documents obtained by The Federalist reveal that between June 2021 and October 2024, the DMV sent 54,656 voter registrations for individuals who had not provided proof of citizenship to Democratic Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade.

A DMV document titled “Proof of Citizenship Accepted By DMV” confirms that opt-in voter registration is offered to individuals with unknown citizenship status. Those who present documents proving non-citizenship are excluded from the process.

The system, however, relies heavily on personal honesty. Oregon voter registration forms require applicants to certify they are U.S. citizens, with penalties for lying including perjury charges punishable by up to five years in prison and fines exceeding $100,000. Critics argue these penalties lack robust enforcement mechanisms.

Legislative Loopholes and Administrative Errors

In 2019, Oregon’s Democratic-controlled legislature passed HB 2015, which removed the requirement to prove legal status to obtain a driver’s license. The law took effect in 2021, making it easier for individuals with unclear citizenship status to obtain state IDs — and, potentially, voter registration.

Laura Kerns, spokesperson for the Secretary of State’s Office, acknowledged administrative errors in DMV processes. “The rule clearly states that DMV should only be sending information for individuals with a record of providing documentation that establishes U.S. citizenship,” Kerns said.

Critics Demand Accountability

Republican State Senator Dennis Linthicum condemned the investigation as inadequate. “This is a farce to pretend they’re addressing the issue,” Linthicum said. “The entire system is fraught with hazards.” He urged state officials to conduct a deeper analysis of voter roll data spanning several years.

Jeff Eager, former mayor of Bend, echoed these concerns. “This seems like the tip of the iceberg,” he said, pointing to delays in the DMV’s release of public records on the program.

Governor Kotek’s review of the motor voter system has so far identified 1,617 potential noncitizens on the voter rolls. Critics argue the scope is too narrow, leaving systemic vulnerabilities unaddressed.

A Brewing Storm

The revelations have ignited debate over election security in Oregon, where Democrats control both the governorship and the legislature. With the audit ongoing and voter trust on the line, the controversy shows no signs of abating.

“This isn’t about politics; it’s about integrity,” Diehl said. “Oregonians deserve to know their elections are secure.”