Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, R, has announced an investigation into claims that organizations in the state might be unlawfully registering noncitizens to vote. Paxton’s investigation follows an undercover operation by his Election Integrity Unit, which reportedly found nonprofit groups outside the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) offices offering voter registration assistance to individuals seeking driver’s licenses or ID cards.
Paxton questioned the necessity of these groups, noting that voters already have the opportunity to register inside DPS offices.
“Texans are deeply troubled by the possibility that organizations purporting to assist with voter registration are illegally registering noncitizens to vote in our elections,” Paxton said.
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He also asked, “If eligible citizens can legally register to vote when conducting their business at a DPS office, why would they need a second opportunity to register with a booth outside?”
In Texas, lying about citizenship on voter registration forms can result in up to 180 days in jail and fines up to $10,000. It is also illegal to assist noncitizens in registering to vote, with violators facing up to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Noncitizen voting has become a partisan issue ahead of the November presidential election. Republicans introduced the SAVE Act in the House, which would require U.S. voters to provide proof of citizenship to cast a ballot. The GOP-led House passed the bill, but the Senate did not vote on the proposal, with a majority of Democrats, including President Biden, opposing it. They argue that it would make voting more difficult for U.S. citizens while Republicans argue it would make U.S. elections more secure.
