Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose has referred evidence of nearly 600 noncitizens registered to vote in Ohio to Attorney General Dave Yost's office.

The referral, announced on Wednesday, follows an extensive audit conducted earlier this year of Ohio’s voter registration database, which revealed that 138 noncitizen individuals have cast ballots in past elections in the state, prompting the legal referral, as the Post Millennial reports.

LaRose’s office, as mandated by state law, is required to refer these cases to the attorney general for potential prosecution. The Ohio Constitution requires that only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote in state elections, making these registrations and votes a matter of legal concern.

Extensive Audit Conducted to Secure Voter Rolls

Earlier in 2024, LaRose initiated a comprehensive audit of Ohio's voter registration system. The purpose was to ensure that the voter rolls were accurate and free from irregularities.

This audit, which LaRose described as "the most extensive citizenship verification audit ever" conducted by the Ohio Secretary of State’s office, led to significant findings.

The audit included cross-checking voter data with various sources, including the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, the Social Security Administration, the Department of Homeland Security’s federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements database, and federal jury pool data. This rigorous process resulted in the identification of 597 noncitizens who were improperly registered to vote.

In addition to discovering noncitizen registrations, the audit also led to the removal of 15,995 inactive or abandoned voter registrations. This action was part of LaRose’s broader effort to maintain the integrity of Ohio’s voter rolls ahead of the 2024 election.

138 Noncitizens Allegedly Cast Ballots in Ohio Elections

One of the most concerning findings from the audit was the discovery that 138 noncitizens appeared to have cast ballots in Ohio elections. These votes were cast despite the individuals not having citizenship status, a violation of both state and federal laws.

LaRose emphasized the gravity of this situation in a press release, stating, "I’m duty-bound to make sure people who haven’t yet earned citizenship in this country do not vote in our elections."

He further explained, "The evidence includes 138 individuals who appear to have cast a ballot in an Ohio election during the time state and federal records show they lacked citizenship status."

This development comes amid broader Republican efforts across several states, including Alabama and Texas, to secure the 2024 election and address concerns related to illegal immigration and voter fraud.

Legal Ramifications and Potential Prosecutions

The law mandates that LaRose refer these cases to the state AG for potential prosecution. The ongoing investigation into the citizenship status of voters may lead to additional findings and possible further removals from the voter rolls before the November election.

LaRose’s actions are grounded in Ohio state law, which permits the Secretary of State to investigate issues related to election law administration, fraud, and irregularities. If violations are found, the Secretary is required to report these for prosecution. This legal framework underscores the seriousness of the audit’s findings and the potential consequences for those involved.

The referral to Attorney General Yost's office is expected to initiate legal proceedings against those who were found to have voted illegally. The outcome of these cases could have significant implications for election integrity and the enforcement of voting laws in Ohio.

Continuing Efforts to Maintain Election Integrity

The efforts undertaken by LaRose’s office reflect a broader trend in several states to secure the integrity of elections by ensuring that only eligible voters are registered and able to vote. These measures are particularly pertinent as the 2024 election approaches, with heightened scrutiny on voter eligibility and potential fraud.

LaRose’s office has indicated that the investigation into noncitizen voter registrations is ongoing, and more referrals may be made as additional evidence is uncovered. This proactive approach is intended to prevent any further illegal voting in the upcoming election.

Ohio’s actions align with similar initiatives in other states, where election officials are working to address concerns about illegal voting and the influence of noncitizens in the electoral process. These efforts are seen as critical to maintaining public confidence in the electoral system.

Conclusion

The discovery of 597 noncitizen voters, including 138 who cast ballots, has led to a significant legal referral in Ohio.

Secretary of State Frank LaRose's comprehensive audit and subsequent referral to Attorney General Dave Yost highlight ongoing efforts to secure the state’s voter rolls and ensure that only eligible citizens participate in the electoral process.

As investigations continue, Ohio’s actions reflect a broader national effort to uphold election integrity ahead of the 2024 election.