Secretary of State Diego Morales Asks U.S. Immigration to Confirm Citizenship Status of Indiana Voters

Office of Indiana Secretary of StateDiegoMorales

200 W. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46204

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, October 17, 2024

Secretary of State Diego Morales Asks U.S. Immigration to Confirm

Citizenship Status of Indiana Voters

INDIANAPOLIS - (October 17, 2024) - In response to concerns from voters and local election administrators, Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales filed a request with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to verify the citizenship status of registered voters in Indiana who lack state issued identification. The request focuses on a limited number of individuals who registered to vote in the upcoming election without providing a state-issued form of identification.

The Indiana Secretary of State, with assistance from the Indiana Attorney General's office, aims to work with USCIS to determine if there are non-U.S. citizens on the state's voter registration rolls. Verification was also requested for citizenship status information on individuals who requested an absentee ballot to vote in Indiana from other countries locations. Indiana County Clerks voiced concerns about potential non-U.S. citizen voting after a significant increase in individuals located outside of the U.S. registering to vote and requesting absentee ballots.

County election officials will be notified if USCIS specifically identifies non-U.S. citizens on their voter registration lists. The Secretary of State does not have authority to challenge voters or update voter registration status or lists.

"A fair and secure election process begins with accurate voter information," said Secretary of State Morales. "As Indiana's Chief Election Officer, I am committed to ensuring that every registered voter in Indiana has met the legal requirements, including being a U.S. citizen. I'm proud to partner with Indiana's Attorney General in taking proactive steps to gather missing information for those who completed their registration without a state-issued ID. This is crucial to maintaining the integrity of our elections and increasing public confidence. Only U.S. Citizens can vote in Indiana. Period," said Diego Morales, Indiana Secretary of State.

"Hoosiers deserve to know that only eligible voters are participating in our elections and that legitimate ballots are not being diluted by non-citizens," Todd Rokita, Attorney General. "We are doing our part to provide this assurance."

The move reflects the state's commitment to maintaining accurate voter rolls and ensuring only eligible U.S. citizens participate in Indiana's elections. Here is a linkto the Citizenship Verification Request.

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