An annual audit of Utah's voter registration records has identified a small handful of noncitizens on the state's voter rolls, according to a May 27 summary released by Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson.
Audit results and reporting requirements
The Office of the Lieutenant Governor now conducts these annual audits of registration records, with results reported biennially to the legislature as required by HB 313. Election audit reports for the canvass must now include a statement certifying that voter rolls were maintained according to law and county procedures.
Verification processes for voter registration
To prevent ineligible registration, Utah uses a statewide database maintained by the Lieutenant Governor that undergoes weekly searches for duplicates. During the registration process, voters must provide a driver's license or the last four digits of their Social Security number, which clerks verify against the driver's license database.
Affidavits and penalties for noncitizens
Voters are also required to sign an affidavit certifying both their age and citizenship. While voters under 18 may pre-register, they are not permitted to vote or receive ballots until they reach the legal age. The state noted that non-citizens who attempt to register or vote face severe penalties, including a permanent inability to obtain citizenship.
Additional safeguards for maintaining rolls
Additional safeguards include weekly updates from the Office of Vital Records and Statistics to remove deceased individuals from the rolls. Election offices also utilize the National Change of Address database to identify voters who have moved and inactivate those with undeliverable mail.
