Organized groups in Washington state are trying to make it harder for eligible citizens to vote. Initiative IL26-126 would require all voters to present an enhanced driver’s license or provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship in person. Voters who cannot meet these requirements would have their registrations canceled. For many people, obtaining these documents is difficult or costly, effectively preventing eligible citizens from voting.
The Brennan Center for Justice found only 30 cases of noncitizen voting out of 23.5 million nationwide — an incidence rate of just 0.0001 percent.
In Washington, only U.S. citizens who are registered and at least 18 years old are allowed to vote. Noncitizens face fines, up to a year of imprisonment, and deportation if they do so.
Mail-in voting has a long, proven record of safety and reliability, with 150 years of successful use in the United States. It is extremely popular in Washington and has increased voter participation.
The real threat to election security is misinformation and disinformation — false claims, conspiracy theories, and online echo chambers that distort public understanding and undermine confidence in our elections.
Do not sign Initiative IL26-126. It is nothing more than voter suppression.