Ohio is taking significant steps to ensure election integrity by urging the U.S. Department of Justice to consider prosecuting over 1,200 election-related cases. This initiative follows a thorough review of election records by Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, revealing that 1,084 non-citizens were registered to vote in the state. Among these cases, 167 non-citizens allegedly voted in multiple federal elections from 2018 to 2024, violating federal law.
LaRose’s findings highlight serious issues regarding voter eligibility. The investigation uncovered not only instances of non-citizens casting ballots, but also 99 individuals who voted in two different states during the same federal election year and another 16 who voted twice within Ohio. Furthermore, the review identified 14 cases of deceased individuals voting, four instances of ballot harvesting, and two registered voters listed at incorrect residences. LaRose’s extensive monthly reviews aim to expose potential fraud and address it decisively.
In a formal letter to the Justice Department, LaRose expressed his commitment to pursuing these cases. He wrote, “I have made numerous criminal referrals throughout my administration, with much of the evidence related to unlawful registration and voting activity.” He emphasized the cooperation among various local and state prosecutors and his office to gather solid evidence against those suspected of violating voting laws.
Despite the rigorous efforts of LaRose and his team, not all county prosecutors have actively pursued these cases. He noted that some have opted not to take up certain allegations, which may hinder the overall effort to tackle election fraud. “In these cases, the county prosecutor has decided for whatever reason not to take them up,” LaRose explained, indicating frustration with the uneven commitment among prosecutors to enforce voter laws.
LaRose’s initiative is not simply about numbers; it reflects a broader commitment to maintaining the integrity of Ohio’s elections. He stated, “Ohio has earned its reputation as the Gold Standard, and our Election Integrity Unit continues to prove why.” His emphasis on a dedicated approach to safeguarding the electoral process underscores the importance of ensuring that legitimate votes count while identifying and addressing fraudulent activities.
Statistics reinforce the notion that cases of non-citizen voting, while concerning, are infrequent. LaRose mentioned that non-citizens registering to vote is “exceedingly rare,” and it is even more uncommon for them to actually cast a ballot. This highlights the effectiveness of the processes currently in place for verifying voter eligibility.
The significance of LaRose’s work cannot be understated. Last year, his office identified 633 potential cases of voter fraud, yet local prosecutors acted on only 12. This discrepancy raises questions about the willingness of some prosecutors to tackle these issues head-on, which LaRose is now addressing by referring more cases to the federal level.
In LaRose’s view, the pursuit of election integrity is crucial. He asserted, “We work tirelessly to ensure that every eligible voter’s voice is heard, and anyone who tries to cheat the system will face serious consequences.” This proactive stance signals to the public that Ohio is committed to protecting the electoral process. With likely pushback from various local prosecutors, Ohio’s Secretary of State remains determined to place these serious allegations in the spotlight.
As the review continues and cases are forwarded to the Justice Department, the outcome of these efforts could set a precedent for how states manage voter integrity and address fraudulent voting. LaRose’s campaign to cleanse the voter rolls—removing 155,000 inactive registrations over four years—demonstrates a comprehensive approach to electoral reliability.
Overall, Ohio’s initiative offers a clear warning to those who might consider undermining the electoral system. With a focused strategy and the backing of law enforcement, LaRose aims to fortify voting integrity at a time when such efforts are crucial to public confidence in the democratic process.
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