Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen has raised concerns about federal policies under President Biden that he believes facilitate illegal immigrants and non-citizens to register to vote. Allen highlighted Executive Order 14019, issued in 2021, which he argues broadens the interpretation of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) of 1993, making federal agencies voter registration entities.
Allen's office initiated an investigation after a voter reported receiving a voter registration form from an Alabama state agency addressed to a deceased relative. It was discovered that state agencies, including Medicaid and welfare offices, are mandated under the NVRA to provide voter registration forms to anyone they interact with, including illegal immigrants and non-citizens.
Allen emphasized the need for reforms to the NVRA to ensure voter registration is conducted by states and to verify citizenship. He advocated for legislative changes to require proof of citizenship for voter registration and the removal of non-citizens from voter rolls.
The White House defended Executive Order 14019 as a measure to protect voting rights for eligible Americans, including minority voters. However, Allen expressed concerns about the lack of tools for state officials to verify voter eligibility.
Allen testified before the Senate Rules and Administration Committee about the challenges in verifying citizenship for voter registration. He called for reforms to the NVRA and supported legislation that would strengthen citizenship verification processes.
Allen also criticized a recent executive order by President Biden that could shield hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants from deportation, alleging it could impact election integrity by potentially legitimizing illegal immigrants.
Alabama state law mandates the use of paper ballots and prohibits internet-connected tabulators on Election Day. Allen praised the state's photo identification law as a measure to ensure secure and transparent elections.
While non-citizens voting in federal elections is illegal nationwide, Allen highlighted instances in other jurisdictions where non-citizens are allowed to vote in local elections. He reassured that such practices do not exist in Alabama and emphasized the need for timely updates to voter rolls.
