July 24, 2006

Doolittle: Thousands of Illegals are Voting in our Elections
Sponsors Bill Requiring Proof of U.S. Citizenship before Registering to Vote

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WASHINGTON, D.C. –  House Republican Conference Secretary John T. Doolittle (R-Roseville) today co-sponsored legislation (H.R. 4844) that would amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require individuals who register to vote in a Federal election provide proof that they are a United States citizen. This bill also requires that citizens show a valid photo ID before casting their ballot.

It is estimated that thousands of illegal immigrants are currently allowed to vote each year.

“In this day and age, it is shocking that we still do not verify U.S. citizenship when people register to vote,” Doolittle said. “Motor-voter laws have allowed driver’s license applicants to simply check a box to register to vote regardless of whether they are a U.S. citizen.

“This loophole is allowing thousands of illegal immigrants to take advantage of our election system,” Doolittle continued. “By casting an illegal vote, illegal immigrants are canceling out legal votes cast by U.S. citizens and robbing Americans of their constitutional right to be heard in an election.

“At the very least, we should require voters to present a valid photo ID, thus ensuring that casting a legitimate ballot is provided the same safeguards as buying cigarettes.

“The only way to stop this outrageous and illegal activity is to amend our current voter registration laws to require proof of U.S. citizenship when registering and a valid photo ID before allowing anyone to vote,” Doolittle concluded.