In a significant development, Ohio's Secretary of State, Frank LaRose, has referred 138 non-U.S. citizens to the state’s attorney general after they were found on the state's registered voter rolls. This referral is the latest outcome of a comprehensive audit aimed at ensuring that only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote in Ohio's elections.

The ongoing audit has uncovered nearly 600 non-citizens registered to vote in the Buckeye State, with 138 of them allegedly casting ballots despite lacking the required citizenship status, as Fox News reports.

Ohio’s Voter Roll Audit Unveils Non-Citizens

Secretary LaRose’s office made the referrals after months of scrutinizing Ohio's voter rolls, identifying individuals who were unlawfully registered. The audit, which has been underway for an extended period, seeks to bolster the integrity of Ohio’s electoral process by removing ineligible voters from the rolls.

This most recent referral adds to the growing number of non-citizens identified through the audit. Since the beginning of the year, hundreds of non-citizens have been removed from the voter registration rolls. The audit has so far uncovered a total of 597 non-citizens who were mistakenly registered, spanning multiple years.

LaRose’s audit process is thorough, involving cross-checks against various federal and state databases, including the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, the Department of Homeland Security's Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements database, and the Social Security Administration. These checks are designed to ensure that the voter rolls are accurate and that only those eligible to vote can participate in Ohio elections.

138 Non-Citizens Allegedly Cast Votes in Ohio

The audit revealed that 138 of the identified non-citizens had participated in Ohio elections by casting ballots. According to state and federal records, these individuals lacked citizenship status at the time they voted, a violation of both state law and the U.S. Constitution.

LaRose has emphasized his commitment to upholding the integrity of Ohio’s elections, 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 necessity of referring these cases to the attorney general for potential prosecution, underscoring his role in maintaining the sanctity of the electoral process.

Ohio’s state constitution explicitly mandates that only U.S. citizens are allowed to vote. LaRose has made it clear that his office will continue to identify and remove any non-citizens who have been mistakenly registered, ensuring that Ohio's elections are conducted fairly and lawfully.

Audit’s Broader Impact on Ohio’s Voter Rolls

The audit’s findings are part of a broader effort to clean up Ohio’s voter rolls. Earlier this year, LaRose’s office purged approximately 155,000 voter registrations that were confirmed to be abandoned and inactive for at least four consecutive years. This mass removal was aimed at eliminating outdated or inaccurate registrations, further strengthening the integrity of Ohio's electoral system.

Ohio is a critical swing state in national elections, and its voter rolls are closely monitored. With the 2024 election on the horizon, the state’s efforts to ensure that only eligible voters can participate are especially significant. The removal of ineligible voters, including non-citizens, is seen as a crucial step in safeguarding the electoral process.

Former President Donald Trump has previously raised concerns about potential voter fraud, highlighting the importance of audits like the one currently underway in Ohio. While LaRose’s audit has identified several cases of non-citizens on the voter rolls, the scale of actual illegal voting remains limited to the 138 cases referred to the attorney general.

Legal and Political Implications of the Findings

The referral of these cases to the attorney general marks the beginning of a legal process that could result in prosecutions. The individuals identified in the audit could face serious legal consequences if found guilty of illegally voting in Ohio elections. LaRose has reiterated that while non-citizens should not participate in elections, those who do become citizens will be welcomed to the voter rolls with open arms.

“If or when they do become citizens, I’ll be the first one to congratulate them and welcome them to the franchise,” LaRose stated. However, he stressed that until they meet the legal requirements for voting, his office would continue to act in accordance with the law.

The audit's findings also carry significant political weight as Ohio prepares for the 2024 election. Ensuring the accuracy of voter rolls in a swing state like Ohio is crucial, as even small discrepancies could potentially influence the outcome of tight races. The efforts by LaRose’s office to identify and remove ineligible voters demonstrate a commitment to electoral transparency and fairness.

As the legal process unfolds, the focus will remain on preventing illegal voting and maintaining the integrity of Ohio’s elections. The state’s actions are likely to be closely watched by both political parties, given Ohio’s importance in national elections. With the 2024 election approaching, the issue of voter fraud and election security will continue to be a central topic of discussion.

Conclusion: Ohio's Ongoing Efforts to Secure Elections

The referral of 138 non-citizens who allegedly voted in Ohio elections is the latest development in the state’s efforts to secure its voter rolls. Secretary of State Frank LaRose's audit has uncovered nearly 600 non-citizens on the voter rolls, with 138 of them potentially facing legal action. The audit's findings underscore the importance of maintaining accurate voter rolls, especially in a key swing state like Ohio.

As the 2024 election nears, Ohio’s actions to prevent illegal voting and ensure only eligible voters participate will be critical in maintaining public confidence in the electoral process.

The state’s commitment to upholding the law and protecting the integrity of its elections will continue to be a focal point in the coming months.