Voting Integrity Measure Comes to Senate

Press release from Senate Republican office:

Require Proof of Citizenship to Vote

Salem, OR — Senator Bruce Starr (R-Hillsboro) and the Senate Republicans will offer an amendment on the floor Friday to safeguard voting in Oregon. The amendment to Senate Joint Resolution 4-C would require elections officials to verify citizenship before allowing individuals to register to vote in Oregon for the first time.

“This measure protects the integrity of our ballot box,” said Starr. “Today we can protect the voting process and send a clear message that the privileges of citizenship are reserved for those who fulfill the responsibilities of citizenship.”
Currently, when an individual registers to vote, they must provide an Oregon drivers license number and the last four digits of their social security number. If they don’t have either, they are required to provide another proof of identity such as a paycheck stub or utility bill. The amendment to Senate Joint Resolution 4-C would simply require election officials to verify the registrant’s documentation.

“This measure is simple for the voter, no complicated paperwork needed,” said Senator Ted Ferrioli (R-John Day). “Elections officials will shoulder the burden of verifying citizenship. This is a chance to safeguard one of America’s most foundational rights, the right to vote.”

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