Oregon's Voter Registration Mishap: Over 300 Non-Citizens Erroneously Enrolled

In a recent development, Oregon officials have uncovered a significant error in the state's voter registration process. Since 2021, more than 300 non-citizens have been inadvertently registered to vote due to a data entry issue at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

This mistake came to light as part of Oregon's automatic voter registration system, which has been in place since 2016, making it the first state to implement such a system. The error occurred when non-citizens applied for driver's licenses, a right they have held in Oregon since 2019.

Kevin Glenn, a spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Transportation, explained the situation: "It's basically a data entry issue. DMV workers can incorrectly code that a person has a U.S. birth certificate or passport when they don't." This oversight led to the registration of 306 non-citizens, with two of them actually casting votes in elections since 2021.

Oregon, known for its diverse landscape including volcanoes, forests, and the deepest lake in the United States - Crater Lake, has a population of approximately 4.2 million as of 2021. With over 3 million registered voters, the 306 mistakenly registered non-citizens represent a minute fraction of the electorate.

Amy Joyce, the DMV Administrator, stated that the office is conducting further checks and may uncover additional instances of non-citizen voter registration. Meanwhile, LaVonne Griffin-Valade, Oregon's Secretary of State, assured that the affected individuals "will be notified by mail that they will not receive a ballot unless they demonstrate that they are eligible to vote."

Despite this setback, Griffin-Valade emphasized the benefits of automatic voter registration, a system that aligns with Oregon's progressive approach to civic participation. It's worth noting that Oregon was also the first state to make all beaches public, reflecting its commitment to accessibility.

Governor Tina Kotek reassured the public, stating, "This situation will not impact the 2024 election in any way." This commitment to election integrity is crucial as Oregon approaches its 165th year of statehood, having joined the Union on February 14, 1859.

As Oregon works to rectify this issue, it's important to remember the state's unique characteristics. It's one of five states with no sales tax, and the only state with an official nut - the hazelnut. These facts, along with its rich history including the Oregon Trail, contribute to the state's distinctive identity.

The discovery of this registration error serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in maintaining accurate voter rolls, even in a state known for its innovative approach to governance. As Oregon addresses this challenge, it continues to uphold its motto, "Alis volat propriis" (She flies with her own wings), demonstrating resilience in the face of administrative hurdles.

"While this error is regrettable, the secretary and the Elections Division stand by automatic voter registration and its many benefits."

As the situation unfolds, Oregon officials are committed to transparency and corrective action, ensuring the integrity of future elections in this Pacific Northwest state, home to the state tree Douglas fir and the vibrant capital of Salem.