DOJ Warns Washington Officials Over Noncitizens on Voter Rolls
Federal scrutiny grows after reports showed foreign nationals were registered through Washington state systems.
The Department of Justice has warned Washington election officials that they could face criminal liability if noncitizens remain on voter rolls or are allowed to receive and cast ballots.
Washington Registered Foreign Nationals Through State Systems
Public records obtained by The Center Square showed that Washington’s Department of Licensing received reports that foreign nationals had been registered to vote, including cases where individuals said they were not legally allowed to vote.
The records raised serious concerns about automatic voter registration, licensing interactions, and the safeguards used to prevent noncitizens from being added to Washington voter rolls.
County officials described some of these registrations as accidental, but Washington voters deserve a full accounting of how many occurred, how many ballots were issued, and what safeguards are now in place.
Read The Center Square report →Questions Washington Must Answer
- How many noncitizens were registered?
- How many ballots were mailed to ineligible voters?
- Which state systems allowed the registrations?
- Which counties were affected?
- What has been done to clean the voter rolls?
DOJ Threatens Prosecution if Noncitizens Vote
The Department of Justice has warned Washington election officials that they could face criminal liability if noncitizens are kept on voter rolls or are allowed to receive and cast ballots.
The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division is also seeking voter registration data as part of an election-integrity effort focused on identifying noncitizens on voter rolls and making sure states remove ineligible voters.
Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs has said he would provide public voter information, but has resisted turning over protected private data such as dates of birth, driver’s license numbers, and partial Social Security numbers.
Why Noncitizens on Voter Rolls Became a Federal Issue
Noncitizens on voter rolls became a major concern in Washington after public records showed foreign nationals had been registered through state systems, including licensing and automatic voter registration processes. The issue raises serious questions about how voter eligibility is verified before a person is added to the rolls and before ballots are mailed.
Washington voters have a right to know whether the state’s safeguards are strong enough to prevent ineligible registrations. When foreign nationals are placed on voter rolls, it can create legal danger for the individuals involved and undermine public confidence in election systems. The problem is not only about one registration or one county. It is about whether the system can prove that only eligible citizens are registered and receiving ballots.
The Department of Justice warning puts new pressure on Washington officials to explain how they are complying with federal law. The DOJ’s concern over noncitizens on voter rolls is tied to voter-list maintenance, identity verification, and the duty of election officials to keep registration records accurate.
Washington officials should provide a clear accounting of how many ineligible registrations were found, how the registrations happened, whether ballots were issued, and what corrections have been made. Clean voter rolls, lawful eligibility, and transparent procedures are basic requirements for public trust.
The public deserves answers before another election cycle begins. If Washington’s voter registration system allowed foreign nationals to be added, then state officials should fully cooperate with federal oversight and prove that noncitizens on voter rolls will not remain a continuing problem.
Report Voter Fraud, Suppression, or Election Crimes
USA.gov directs citizens who suspect voter fraud or election crimes to report concerns to the proper election and law enforcement offices.
Report to Election Officials
If you believe voter registration fraud occurred, start by contacting your state, county, or local election office.
USA.gov Reporting Guide →Report to Federal Authorities
USA.gov lists federal reporting options, including the FBI, a U.S. attorney’s office, and the DOJ Public Integrity Section.
Federal Reporting Options →Demand Clean Voter Rolls
Washington voters deserve accurate voter rolls, transparent safeguards, and a clear public accounting of ineligible registrations.
Washington Elections Office →Election Integrity Begins With Eligibility
Citizenship, lawful eligibility, and clean voter rolls are not optional. Washington should cooperate with lawful federal oversight and make sure every ballot is sent only to a legally eligible voter.