The state of Ohio has removed 499 noncitizens from its voter rolls as part of a comprehensive audit ahead of the November presidential election meant to ensure the integrity of the state's voter registration database.

Ohio is conducting a multiphase audit of registered voters ahead of the Nov. 5 presidential contest, focusing on verifying compliance with citizenship requirements, as the Washington Examiner reports.

Secretary of State Frank LaRose recently announced that county boards of elections will remove 499 noncitizen registrations from Ohio’s voter lists.

The initiative is part of a broader review of voter records, begun in May by the Secretary of State’s Public Integrity Division and Office of Data Analytics and Archives.

Comprehensive Voter List Audit Began in May

In May, LaRose's audit led to the removal of 137 illegal immigrants from voter rolls. This audit aims to ensure that only U.S. citizens, as required by Ohio's constitution, are registered to vote in the state.

Nearly 155,000 registrations that had been confirmed as abandoned or inactive for at least four consecutive years were also eliminated. This removal ensures that the voter rolls are up to date and accurate before the upcoming election.

Broader Efforts Focus on Election Integrity

The potential for noncitizen voting to undermine election integrity has been a significant talking point among Republican leaders. GOP figures, including Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), are advocating for federal legislation that would ban noncitizen voting.

Conversely, some Democrats argue that such measures could inadvertently disenfranchise American citizens. Rep. Joe Morelle (D-NY), for instance, has raised concerns about the impact on military members stationed abroad and married women who may have changed their names.

Secretary LaRose’s Commitment to Uphold Law

LaRose emphasized his commitment to upholding the constitution of Ohio. “I swore an oath to uphold the constitution of our state, and that document clearly states that only United States citizens can participate in Ohio elections," LaRose stated.

He expressed his dedication to removing ineligible registrations to prevent illegal voting. “That means I’m duty-bound to make sure people who haven’t yet earned citizenship in this country aren’t voting," he added.

Impact On Future Elections

The removal of noncitizens from voter rolls is expected to bolster confidence in the election process. By ensuring that only eligible U.S. citizens are registered, Ohio aims to maintain the integrity of its elections and prevent illegal voting.

Supporters of LaRose's actions believe that such measures are vital for upholding democracy. Critics, however, argue that the approach may risk excluding valid voters due to clerical errors or other administrative issues.

Broader Political Implications

The debate over noncitizen voting is likely to continue as both major political parties prepare for the upcoming election.

Republicans are likely to highlight election integrity, while Democrats may focus on the potential for disenfranchisement.

Both perspectives are expected to play a significant role in shaping election-related policies and legislative efforts in the coming months.

The controversy underscores the challenges of balancing election security with ensuring that all eligible Americans can exercise their right to vote.

Conclusion

Ohio has actively removed 499 noncitizens from its voter rolls as part of a multiphase audit to ensure only eligible U.S. citizens can vote. Secretary of State Frank LaRose's comprehensive review that began in May led to this action and also removed nearly 155,000 abandoned and inactive registrations.

The move plays into broader political debates, with Republicans emphasizing election integrity and Democrats concerned about potential disenfranchisement.

The initiative highlights ongoing efforts to protect the integrity of U.S. elections while balancing various viewpoints on voter eligibility and access.