It took courage and honesty for the Governor to disclose the problems with the NJ “Motor-Voter” program. As an immigration attorney I had opposed the idea because I was concerned that just this kind of problem might arise. In fact, I had to help several people get unregistered because they knew they weren’t eligible to vote and were frightened of the consequences of being wrongfully registered.
Another issue in using driver license registrations are calls to jury duty. On several occasions I have had to explain to frightened non-citizens that they merely needed to check the “I am not a citizen” box and return the form by mail. We all live with computer glitches, for sure, but these glitches have not caused massive voter fraud.
Immigrant advocacy organizations have long been concerned about erroneous voter registration because of the harm it can cause immigrants ready to become citizens. One of the questions on the naturalization application points to this issue, and persons who have been trapped by these computer glitches can face serious consequences. This is a situation where the best of intentions come home to bite you.
Prayer for the Day
Constant companion of our lives, open us to new directions,
And be our Protector as we work in the world;
Empower us to bring your justice to all peoples
So the power of your Spirit is realized.
Bring us from our past into a future open with possibilities
And enable us to be your witnesses for justice and peace.
In the name of the One who points the way,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
We do have people coming into our office and when they do learn they’ve been registered they’re really apologetic. They ask to be removed and we do honor that request.
Shona Mack-Pollock, Passaic County superintendent of elections
It looks like we’re doing it right in New Jersey, and so there’s no need to change a winning game. It seems to be working very well. It’s my job to enforce the rules and laws that we have existing, and I think that they work very well.
Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell
Whoever winks the eye causes trouble, but one who rebukes boldly makes peace.
Proverbs 10:9