Oklahoma Attorney General Pushes for Election Integrity as Voting Approaches
As the countdown to the presidential election ticks down to just days, Oklahoma’s Attorney General Gentner Drummond is making headlines with a bold move to safeguard election integrity. In a recent amicus brief, Drummond, alongside a coalition of 25 other states, is urging the U.S. Supreme Court to expedite a case concerning Virginia’s voter registration practices. The focus? Ensuring that only U.S. citizens are allowed to vote.
Drummond’s call to action comes at a crucial time, especially with State Question 834 on the ballot in Oklahoma. This measure aims to restrict voting rights specifically to citizens, reinforcing the message that election integrity is a top priority. “Election integrity is non-negotiable,” Drummond stated emphatically. “Voters across the country are already casting ballots for next week’s presidential election. It is critical that states have the authority to police voter qualifications and keep non-citizens from voting.”
The backdrop of this legal maneuvering is a recent decision by the Eastern District of Virginia Court, which temporarily halted the state’s efforts to remove self-identified non-citizens from its voter rolls. Drummond argues that this decision undermines a state’s right to determine its own voter qualifications. He contends that allowing non-citizens to remain on the rolls not only violates state law but also federal law, particularly when it comes to the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA).
The amicus brief highlights a significant concern: if states are forced to allow non-citizens to vote, it could set a dangerous precedent that undermines the very foundation of democratic participation. “Non-citizens are not eligible voters. They were not eligible voters before Congress passed the National Voter Registration Act, they were not eligible when Congress passed the NVRA, and they are not eligible today,” the brief asserts.
Drummond’s stance is echoed by a diverse group of attorneys general from states including Alabama, Florida, Texas, and Wyoming, all rallying behind the principle that voter eligibility should be strictly limited to U.S. citizens. This coalition reflects a growing sentiment among many states that are increasingly concerned about maintaining the integrity of their electoral processes.
As Oklahomans prepare to head to the polls, the message is clear: voting is a right reserved for citizens, and measures like State Question 834 are essential to uphold that principle. With the election just around the corner, now is the time for voters to educate themselves and make their voices heard.
In a world where the integrity of elections is under constant scrutiny, Drummond’s actions serve as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding the democratic process. As citizens prepare to cast their votes, the call for vigilance and responsibility in maintaining election integrity has never been more relevant. So, as you gear up for Election Day, remember to vote for State Question 834 and support the effort to ensure that every vote counts—only if it comes from a citizen.
