State Dept. Eyes Passport Data for Voter Citizenship Checks
U.S. State Department explores sharing passport records to verify voter citizenship ahead of midterms.
2 min read
As midterm elections approach, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) is reportedly assessing how to share passport information with state and local governments, as well as non-profit groups, to establish citizenship checks for voters. The move aims to protect Americans’ data, deter fraud, and support the integrity of U.S. citizenship, according to a department spokesperson.
Supreme Court Ruling Sparks Action
The initiative follows a 6-3 Supreme Court decision that allowed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide citizenship information to local governments to verify registered voters. This ruling was a key factor in the DOS’s recent plans to share passport records, which could be used to confirm voter eligibility.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) noted that the Trump administration will cross-check passport records to identify noncitizens on registration lists, as revealed in a recent filing. DHS General Counsel James Percival hailed the decision as a ‘victory for election integrity,’ emphasizing the need to stop noncitizens from voting illegally.
Passport Data Sharing to Expand
The DOS plans to publish a notice in the Federal Register, the government’s official daily publication, suggesting the sharing of ‘information contained in the Passport Services Records system’ with other federal agencies. While the specific agencies were not identified, the notice permits the use of this data for verifying identity or citizenship for users accessing government websites and applications, as well as for voter eligibility and other governmental services.
According to reporting from Democracy Docket, the data would include personal information on all individuals who have applied for a U.S. passport. This expansion of data sharing represents a significant step in the government’s efforts to secure election integrity through enhanced verification processes.
As the nation prepares for the midterms, the potential use of passport records for voter verification underscores a broader trend of government agencies leveraging existing data systems to prevent fraud and ensure the legitimacy of the electoral process.
Source: OANN
