One of the many duties of Alabama’s Secretary of State is to be the chief election official for the state. As part of that responsibility, the secretary manages the vital state voter rolls.
Secretary Wes Allen announced Tuesday that he and his staff identified 186 noncitizens registered to vote in Alabama, using the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program and has directed their immediate removal from Alabama’s voter file.
According to his office, voting history records further indicate that 25 of the 186 noncitizen voters not only registered illegally but also illegally cast ballots in Alabama elections.
Allen said he will refer all instances to local, state, and federal law enforcement authorities.
“Our elections must be decided by American citizens and only American citizens,” Allen said.
“While liberal organizations and media outlets claim noncitizen voting is not a problem, my office has proven otherwise. Under my watch, illegal registration and illegal voting by noncitizens will not be tolerated in Alabama. My office will continue to identify these violations, refer them to law enforcement, and ensure the full force of the law is applied.”
Secretary Allen initiated the process of identifying the noncitizens registered to vote in Alabama shortly after entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with DHS-USCIS. The MOU authorizes the Secretary of State’s Office to utilize the SAVE program for voter-file maintenance.
Each individual identified through SAVE was provided an opportunity to respond by submitting documentation proving U.S. citizenship. Secretary Allen instructed local boards of registrars to remove those individuals who failed to provide the required documentation. The Secretary of State’s Office has confirmed that all 186 removals have been completed.
Allen’s referral of the cases to law enforcement go to the State Attorney General’s office or the local District Attorney.
Jim Zig Zeigler is a contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. His beat includes the positive and colorful about Alabama – her people, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former State Auditor and Public Service Commissioner. You can reach him at [email protected].
