Overview:
This information explains how noncitizens can inadvertently be registered to vote by way of computerized voter registration methods, the authorized dangers related to such errors, and the steps to verify and cancel voter registration standing.
Division of Homeland Safety officers are scrutinizing noncitizen voting fraud throughout the nation, although experts say these cases are rare.
Final 12 months, a pair in Alaska sued U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Providers (USCIS) after their citizenship oath ceremony was canceled due to an error in voter status.
The Alaska Division of Elections admitted the error occurred when the couple renewed their driver’s licenses at a Division of Motor Automobiles (DMV) location. The DMV erroneously signed the couple up as voters by way of a program referred to as “Computerized Voter Registration” to enhance voter participation.
That is thought of fraud. Noncitizens can’t register to vote as a result of it will imply that they had falsely claimed U.S. citizenship or lied about any of the eligibility necessities. Noncitizens are barred from voting in federal elections and most states prohibit voting in state and native elections.
If a noncitizen is convicted of mendacity about their citizenship standing or voting in a federal election, the penalties can embody fines, imprisonment, and immigration penalties reminiscent of deportation, denial of future standing, exclusion from admission to the U.S. or revocation of their authorized standing.
“The automated registration could confuse people who moderately consider they’re permitted to vote. The most secure course is for anybody who isn’t a citizen to chorus from voting or registering to vote,” stated Professor Jaclyn Kelley-Widmer of the Immigration Regulation and Advocacy Clinic at Cornell Regulation College.
However don’t fear when you can’t bear in mind whether or not you ever registered to vote by way of a authorities company. This information will clarify how you can verify your standing and how you can cancel it.
This data isn’t an alternative to authorized recommendation from a professional legal professional or accredited consultant. The content material was final up to date March, 2026.
What’s computerized voter registration?
To extend voter participation, Washington D.C. and 24 states, together with New York and New Jersey, have adopted computerized voter registration. The automated voter registration course of signifies that government agencies, mostly the DMV, share private data with election officers. Then, the particular person is registered to vote except they particularly decide out of the method.
For those who by accident decide in to voter registration, the DMV will ahead your utility to your county or city’s Board of Elections. The Board will vet every applicant earlier than approving them as a voter, and every voter may also obtain a physical voter registration card. Nonetheless, errors could also be made in uncommon circumstances.
The best way to decide out of voter registration on the DMV
That is the language you will note when you fill out a type on the DMV, reminiscent of a renewal to your driver’s license, in accordance with New York State DMV Forms.
“If you’re not a citizen of america, you need to verify the field under. Non-citizens who register or pre-register to vote could also be topic to legal penalties and such voter registration or pre-registration could lead to deportation or removing, exclusion from admission to america, or denial of naturalization.”
☐ “I decline use of this manner for voter registration and pre-registration functions. Don’t ahead my data to the Board of Elections.”
If you’re a noncitizen, verify the 2 packing containers as demonstrated under.
The best way to verify in case you are registered to vote
For the residents in New York Metropolis, check your status here. You’ll want to incorporate:
- First title
- Final title
- Start date
- Borough of residence
- ZIP code of residence
For New York State residents, check your status here or name the New York Metropolis Board of Elections at 1-866-868-3692.
For those who aren’t registered to vote, the web page will say “Report Not Discovered.”
If I’ve an lively voter standing, how can I cancel it?
In response to New York election regulation, you must ship a bodily written letter to your native board of elections requesting cancellation of your voter registration. Contact data for all native boards is on the market on the county board of elections page.
The method for canceling registered voter standing varies by state. It’s often performed by contacting your native elections workplace for help. Discover your local election offices here.