Idaho Governor Brad Little has introduced an executive order aimed at strengthening voter registration protocols in the state as a proactive measure ahead of the fall elections. The order, officially named the Only Citizens Will Vote Act, grants the Idaho Secretary of State broad authority to implement measures designed to prevent noncitizens from registering to vote in Idaho.
Governor Little emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity and security of Idaho’s elections. “Idaho already has the most secure elections in the nation, and we’re going to keep it that way,” Little declared.
He highlighted the necessity of the executive order in response to what he describes as the challenges posed by federal immigration policies. “My executive order – the Only Citizens Will Vote Act – directs Secretary of State Phil McGrane to work with local county clerks to scrub our voter rolls and make sure Idaho’s elections do not fall prey to the consequences of Biden’s lawless open border.”
The executive order outlines several key actions that the Idaho Secretary of State must undertake to ensure that only eligible citizens are registered to vote. These actions include a thorough review of the state’s voter rolls in collaboration with local police and the transportation department.
This review process aims to identify and remove any individuals who are not U.S. citizens. Additionally, the Secretary of State is authorized to work with the Department of Homeland Security to verify the citizenship status of registered voters.
One significant aspect of the order is the mandate for the Secretary of State and county clerks to submit an annual report to Governor Little detailing their efforts to prevent and remove noncitizens from Idaho’s voter rolls. This report will provide transparency and accountability in the implementation of the new measures.
The executive order also imposes restrictions on state agencies, prohibiting them from providing voter registration information to noncitizens. This move is intended to ensure that the registration process remains secure and that only eligible individuals are able to participate in Idaho’s elections.
Governor Little’s order comes at a time when voter integrity and security are prominent issues in national and state politics. Federal law already prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections. However, some jurisdictions across the United States have allowed noncitizens to vote in local elections, which has raised concerns among some officials about the potential for noncitizen voting in other areas.
Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane has expressed his support for the executive order. He recognizes the state’s existing robust security mechanisms but acknowledges the need for continuous improvement.
“Across Idaho’s 44 counties, we have excellent mechanisms in place already to ensure non-citizens do not vote in Idaho, but there is always more we can do to make sure only citizens will vote,” McGrane stated. He noted that while it is already illegal for noncitizens to vote in Idaho, the heightened scrutiny and additional measures provided by the executive order will further bolster voter confidence.
Initially, McGrane had reservations about the necessity of further action, given the existing legal framework. However, he has since aligned with Governor Little’s perspective, citing growing public concerns about election security, especially in light of ongoing debates about immigration policies and their impact on voter rolls.
“We’re seeing a rise and a push more about people’s confidence in elections tied to the news about immigration,” McGrane told the Idaho Statesman. The Only Citizens Will Vote Act is part of Governor Little’s broader strategy to maintain high standards of election integrity in Idaho.
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By directing resources and attention towards ensuring that only eligible citizens are registered to vote, the governor aims to preempt any potential issues that could arise from changes in federal immigration policies or local practices in other states. The executive order reflects Idaho’s commitment to secure and fair elections, reinforcing the state’s reputation for robust electoral processes.
