State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield) has announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at ensuring the integrity of Illinois elections following concerns over the distribution of voter registration forms to noncitizens.
McClure stated that immigrant rights informed him that the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) includes voter registration forms in informational packets sent to individuals applying for state aid, some of whom are noncitizens. The packets also include an online version of the form, which is publicly accessible.
The senator expressed concern that noncitizens receiving these forms might mistakenly complete and submit them, potentially leading to voter registration errors. Language barriers or misunderstandings about eligibility could contribute to the issue, he added.
Sangamon County Clerk Don Gray echoed these concerns, citing recent changes in Illinois driver’s license policies. New legislation now allows noncitizens, including those without legal status, to receive standard driver’s licenses without specific markings distinguishing them from those issued to citizens. Gray warned that this change could make it difficult for election officials to verify voter eligibility if applicants incorrectly indicate citizenship on voter registration forms.
Under current law, DHS is authorized to use state aid applications to assist with voter registration, provided the agency verifies applicants' eligibility before forwarding registration information to election officials. McClure noted that this verification process does not apply when paper forms are sent directly to county clerks, who lack access to citizenship records.
McClure’s proposed legislation would require the Illinois Secretary of State’s office to create a database of noncitizens with state-issued driver’s licenses. This database would be used by county election officials to verify voter registration applications.
The senator emphasized that improper registration could result in legal consequences for noncitizens, potentially jeopardizing their future eligibility for citizenship.
Neither DHS nor the Pritzker Administration has issued a public response to McClure’s claims or the proposed legislation at this time.
