The North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) recently revealed a startling statistic: about 34,000 deceased individuals are still listed on the state’s voter rolls. This finding emerged from a thorough audit, involving a cross-check against the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database. This system serves to verify citizenship and acts as a critical tool in maintaining the integrity of electoral processes.
The NCSBE’s substantial submission of over 7.39 million voter records to this database highlights their ongoing commitment to ensuring that voter rolls reflect only eligible citizens. Sam Hayes, the Executive Director of NCSBE, noted that the discovery of such a high number of deceased voters was surprising. “While we expected to find some cases, this is higher than we anticipated,” he stated, underscoring the seriousness of the issue.
Hayes emphasized the importance of utilizing cross-state and federal databases, stating, “The benefit of entering into cross-state and federal database checks is that it allows us to uncover issues like this.” This proactive approach shows dedication to election integrity by aiming for the most accurate voter rolls possible. Following this revelation, Hayes pledged that it is time to “roll up our sleeves” to verify the eligibility of every person registered to vote in North Carolina.
It’s worth noting that North Carolina does have mechanisms in place to monitor in-state deaths through weekly updates from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. However, the SAVE database has proven especially useful in identifying voters who may have moved out of state and passed away elsewhere. This indicates a potential gap in the regular processes previously employed by state officials, which is now being addressed with renewed vigor.
Despite the presence of these deceased individuals on the voter rolls, NCSBE clarified that this does not imply any illegal voting had occurred in their names. The Board outlined plans to follow established verification procedures, conduct additional cross-checks, and collaborate with county boards to appropriately remove these voters. This methodical approach is aimed at safeguarding the integrity of future elections.
In reaction to these findings, Congressman Mark Harris expressed his disapproval on social media, labeling the situation as “a failure.” He insisted that immediate action must be taken, remarking, “This isn’t a mistake—it’s a failure. Election integrity is non-negotiable. Fix it now. Pass the SAVE American Act!” His call for the SAVE Act reflects broader concerns about electoral security, particularly among stakeholders prioritizing the verification of citizenship for voter registration.
The SAVE Act would mandate proof of citizenship for individuals attempting to register to vote in federal elections. This proposed legislation has garnered attention, with leaders like President Donald Trump pushing for its passage while facing resistance from opposing parties. The discourse surrounding such measures highlights a pivotal issue in American electoral politics: ensuring that only eligible citizens participate in elections.
As North Carolina moves forward with cleaning up its voter rolls, the need for diligence in maintaining electoral integrity has never been more pronounced. The implications of these findings reverberate beyond state lines, emphasizing the importance of flawless voter registration processes nationwide.
"*" indicates required fields
