A recent report revealed that data entry errors at the Oregon Department of Transportation led to more than 1,700 people being inaccurately registered to vote. This issue dates back several years and the latest report found an additional 118 people wrongly registered. Secretary of State Tobias Read emphasized the need for accountability in voter registration processes and fixing errors.
Most of the individuals wrongly registered interacted with the DMV between 2010 and 2023, with only one case involving an American Samoan resident ineligible to vote. County clerks have deactivated the 118 wrongly registered voters and have provided instructions for them to correct their voter registration status.
Thirteen of these individuals have voted in previous elections, constituting a crime for noncitizens. The Secretary of State’s Office is reviewing the eligibility of these voters and has referred three cases to the Department of Justice for investigation.
The discovery of these errors comes at a time when Republican lawmakers are seeking to restrict voting access. Despite this, Oregonians have rejected proposals to end mail voting and require photo IDs to vote. Legislation is being proposed to transfer control of the automatic voter registration system to the Secretary of State’s Office.
The Oregon Capital Chronicle is a news bureau supported by grants and donors. For news tips or ideas, contact the Salem Reporter’s news team. Editor Julia Shumway has extensive experience in government and politics reporting and maintains editorial independence.
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