POLITICS

DHS runs checks on millions of registered voters

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Topeka, Kan. The Department of Homeland Security this year ran roughly 67 million state voter registrations through federal databases to verify eligibility ahead of the November elections, flagging tens of thousands of records as potential noncitizens or deceased and transmitting results to states for follow-up. The flags have prompted legal challenges and criticism this week from Democratic officials and civil-rights groups, who say the verification system is error-prone and risks removing eligible voters; some states allow only a month to prove eligibility while others suspend registrations pending verification.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

Administration expands DHS verification program to scan state voter rolls.
DHS processes approximately 67 million voter registrations through federal databases.
Tens of thousands of records are flagged as potential noncitizens or deceased.
States receive flagged lists and apply varying response deadlines or suspensions.
Democratic officials and civil-rights groups file court challenges against the program.

Why This Matters to You

Your right to vote could be impacted. If you're flagged by the DHS system, you might have to prove your eligibility again. Depending on your state, you could have just a month to do so. Check your registration status regularly to avoid surprises.

The Bottom Line

While the DHS aims to ensure only eligible voters participate, the system isn't perfect. Critics argue it could wrongly remove eligible voters. If you know someone who's been flagged, they may need help navigating the process. Worth forwarding if you know someone who might be affected.