Ohio’s Investigation Reveals Allegations of Noncitizen Voting and Double Voting Across Multiple States

FIRST ON FOX: Recent investigations led by Ohio’s Secretary of State Frank LaRose have uncovered alarming instances of alleged illegal voting involving noncitizens and double voters in eight states and Washington D.C. This action reflects a growing concern over election integrity and the need for stringent enforcement of voting laws.

LaRose’s office reported the discovery of 30 individuals who were non-U.S. citizens yet registered to vote in Ohio. Furthermore, evidence surfaced indicating that eleven individuals had cast ballots in multiple states, including Virginia, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, South Carolina, and D.C.

In LaRose’s own words, the intention behind these investigations is to assert that fraudulent voting practices will not be tolerated. He emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards of election integrity by enforcing the law wherever violations occur.

The inquiry was primarily conducted by Ohio’s Election Integrity Unit, which systematically reviewed the state’s voter registry. This analysis involved cross-referencing data from both federal and state sources to identify inconsistencies and potential violations.

Following the investigation, LaRose took action by dispatching letters to the attorneys general of all involved states, formally referring the identified individuals for potential prosecution. This proactive approach underscores Ohio’s commitment to ensuring that every vote cast is legitimate and authorized.

LaRose addressed potential skepticism regarding the significance of these findings. He wrote to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, asserting that even minimal instances of election crime carry serious implications. According to LaRose, even a single illegal vote can compromise the entire electoral process, impacting crucial decisions ranging from local levies to statewide election outcomes.

A recent example highlighted the stakes of these allegations. LaRose pointed out that a single vote determined the outcome of a local levy in Licking County, stressing the critical nature of each vote in shaping community policies.

The Ohio investigation arrives amidst a broader national debate concerning voter registration practices and election integrity. Just days prior, the Trump administration’s Justice Department filed a lawsuit against North Carolina and its State Board of Elections. This lawsuit accused the state of maintaining an inaccurate voter list, raising eyebrows about the effectiveness of its election practices.

Specifically, the Department of Justice alleged that North Carolina violated the Help America Vote Act of 2002. According to the lawsuit, issues arose from the way the state managed its voter registration forms. Applicants were not clearly instructed on whether they needed to provide a driver’s license number or, if unavailable, the last four digits of their social security number.

The complaint asserted that a substantial number of North Carolina voters had been registered despite failing to complete their voter registration forms in adherence to federal guidelines. This was a significant concern that cast doubt on the credibility of voters’ registrations.

Notably, prior leadership within North Carolina’s elections board, which contained a Democratic majority, recognized these issues. Following a complaint from a voter, they amended the voter registration form but opted not to contact individuals registered since 2004 to rectify missing information before the upcoming 2024 elections.

This lack of proactive communication underscores the complexities and challenges faced by election authorities in different states as they strive to uphold electoral integrity. The potential for unauthorized votes raises significant ethical and legal questions that require urgent attention.

The intersection of state actions and federal oversight raises important discussions about how best to implement and maintain effective voting laws that cater to the needs of voters while safeguarding against fraud. LaRose’s findings in Ohio is a reminder of the vigilance necessary to foster trust within the electoral process.

For many, the integrity of elections remains a cornerstone of democracy. The allegations raised against both noncitizen voters and those apparently casting ballots in multiple jurisdictions highlight the necessity for ongoing scrutiny. A commitment to transparency, accuracy, and integrity must prevail in all states to reinforce public confidence in electoral processes.

As the 2024 elections loom closer, the importance of addressing these allegations and reinforcing voter registration practices cannot be overstated. Continued investigations and potential reforms may play a crucial role in shaping the future landscape of electoral integrity in the United States.

A collaborative effort among state and federal agencies is vital to ensure compliance with voting laws. With citizens increasingly aware of electoral integrity issues, it becomes imperative for officials to act decisively and transparently.

The ongoing dialogue about how best to safeguard elections will influence voter turnout and public trust significantly. In an era where misinformation proliferates, maintaining the sanctity of the vote has never been more critical.

Ohio’s recent disclosures serve as a call to action for other states to evaluate, reassess, and adopt measures necessary to prevent electoral fraud. By learning from these instances, states can bolster the integrity of their voting systems, ensuring fair and accurate elections.

Fox News’ Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.