The Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is under scrutiny for its voter registration practices, which reportedly allow individuals with “unknown citizenship status” to register to vote simply by self-attesting to their eligibility. This revelation has raised alarms among lawmakers and citizens concerned about election integrity.
Republican State Representative Ed Diehl disclosed to The Federalist that DMV employees are instructed to offer voter registration to individuals who cannot prove their citizenship. “If you don’t prove that you’re not a U.S. citizen, then you will be asked if you want to self-attest to being a citizen, and they will assist you with registering to vote,” Diehl stated.
The issue came to light as Oregon investigates its “motor voter” program, which automatically registers individuals to vote during DMV transactions. Governor Tina Kotek, a Democrat, paused the program last month after it was discovered that over 1,500 non-citizens were potentially registered to vote.
In an October 21 meeting with DMV officials, Diehl learned that the department has temporarily reverted to a voter registration process relying on self-attestation. This means individuals can register to vote without providing proof of citizenship, so long as they certify their eligibility by checking a box on a form.
Kevin Glenn, communications director for the Oregon Department of Transportation, explained that the previous motor voter process required some level of documentary proof of citizenship. However, this system is now on hold pending an external audit.
The DMV’s interim registration process complies with the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, which mandates that state motor vehicle agencies provide voter registration services. Glenn defended the process, stating that if a person’s documentation neither proves nor disproves citizenship—such as immigration documents or foreign passports—they are offered the opportunity to register by self-certification.
Critics argue that the self-attestation system is ripe for abuse. Oregon voter registration forms require minimal documentation, such as the last four digits of a Social Security number, a driver’s license number, or another form of ID like a utility bill. Notably, Social Security numbers can be issued to non-citizens, meaning they are not definitive proof of citizenship.
Under current law, lying on a voter registration form is considered perjury, punishable by up to five years in prison and fines exceeding $125,000. However, enforcement mechanisms appear vague at best, leading to concerns about accountability.
Diehl voiced his frustration over the system: “Unless they demonstrate that they’re not a citizen, yeah, they’ll offer them to vote.”
Between June 2021 and October 2024, the Oregon DMV sent over 54,600 voter registrations to Democratic Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade, all from individuals who had not proven their citizenship. Documents obtained by The Federalist further confirm that the DMV provides voter registration opportunities to those with unknown citizenship status, requiring only a self-certification of eligibility.
An internal DMV document titled “Proof of Citizenship Accepted by DMV,” dated October 25, explicitly outlines the department’s practice of offering “opt-in voter registration” to individuals without verified citizenship status. The document clarifies that applicants presenting proof of non-citizenship are excluded from voter registration opportunities, but those whose citizenship status is unknown can self-certify and proceed.
The controversy has ignited debates over election integrity and state accountability. Critics argue that the DMV’s process undermines the credibility of voter rolls and creates opportunities for illegal voting. Supporters, however, maintain that the practice complies with federal law and protects the right to vote for all eligible individuals, including naturalized citizens who may lack immediate access to certain documents.
Governor Kotek’s decision to pause the motor voter program suggests an acknowledgment of the issue’s gravity. However, the investigation’s scope and potential outcomes remain unclear.
The Oregon DMV’s voter registration practices raise larger questions about election security nationwide. With many states relying on similar motor voter programs, the balance between accessibility and integrity is increasingly under the spotlight.
Critics warn that allowing self-attestation without robust verification measures risks undermining public confidence in the electoral system. Supporters argue that such systems are necessary to prevent disenfranchisement and ensure compliance with federal voter registration laws.
As Oregon conducts its audit, lawmakers like Diehl are calling for stricter safeguards to prevent non-citizens from registering to vote. Proposals include requiring documentary proof of citizenship or implementing more rigorous verification systems.
The debate over the DMV’s practices underscores a growing tension in the United States: how to ensure election security without compromising accessibility. As the audit unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Oregon will revise its voter registration system or continue to face criticism over its current approach.
This controversy serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in balancing federal mandates, state policies, and public trust in the democratic process.
