Independent audit of Oregon's Motor Voter system after registration errors

The errors stem from clerical mistakes and misclassifications within the DMV, particularly affecting residents from U.S. territories like American Samoa, who are categorized as U.S. nationals rather than citizens and thus are ineligible to vote. Following the release of an After Action Report by the DMV, both Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade and Governor Tina Kotek emphasized the need for an external audit to restore public trust in the voter registration process. The audit aims to address systemic issues within the Motor Voter program, which automatically registers individuals when they apply for a driver’s license or ID, a practice that has raised concerns about election integrity.

Background of the Issue

In 2019, Oregon enacted a law allowing noncitizens to obtain driver’s licenses, which contributed to the current registration problems. The Motor Voter system, implemented in 2016, has faced scrutiny as it automatically registers many individuals without confirming their citizenship status. The DMV’s recent identification of 302 additional erroneous registrations highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring the accuracy of voter rolls.

Official Response

In response to the findings, Griffin-Valade directed county elections officials to inactivate the newly identified registrations and has ordered the hiring of a Motor Voter oversight position to enhance monitoring. The DMV has acknowledged its procedural shortcomings and has implemented new quality control measures to prevent future errors, including adjustments to how staff handle documentation during the registration process.

Implications for Future Elections

The discovery of these registration errors raises significant questions about the integrity of Oregon’s electoral system, particularly as the state approaches upcoming elections. Officials are working to ensure that the ineligible voters do not receive ballots, but there are concerns about the effectiveness of these measures. The situation has prompted bipartisan calls for greater scrutiny and reform of the voter registration system to safeguard against similar issues in the future.