(The Center Square) – After the Oregon DMV wrongfully registered noncitizens through their program that automatically registered anyone who obtained a driver’s license or state ID, an Illinois state lawmaker introduces legislation that would criminalize knowingly registering noncitizens to vote on their behalf in Illinois.
Recently filed HB 5875 will penalize individuals who knowingly register noncitizens to vote in federal and municipal elections.
State Rep. Dan Caulkins said he’s concerned with non-government organizations, assisting non citizens residing in migrant shelters and are knowingly registering noncitizens to vote despite federal law prohibiting noncitizens from registering and voting in federal elections.
“Knowingly registering someone else to vote shall be guilty of a class four felony,” said Caulkins, the sponsor of the bill.
The Center Square sought comment from Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights and The Immigration Project regarding Caulkins’ concerns, but did not immediately receive a response.