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A recent audit of Pennsylvania's Motor Voter system confirms it is functioning as intended, though improvements are needed to prevent human errors. The audit, conducted by Auditor General Tim DeFoor, examined over 200,000 voter registration applications from PennDOT and identified one instance where a noncitizen was mistakenly allowed to apply due to a staff error. The mistake was corrected before the individual left the PennDOT location, ensuring they were not registered to vote.
DeFoor emphasized that the error was due to a PennDOT employee leaving a field blank that should have flagged the individual as a noncitizen. He recommended enhancing the system's safeguards, such as allowing PennDOT to void applications with errors and ensuring follow-up with the Department of State.
According to Spotlight PA, the audit also highlighted cybersecurity concerns, noting that PennDOT could not fully demonstrate which employees had access to the system. This finding underscores the need for better internal controls over system access.
The audit was initiated after concerns from Republicans about the state's switch from an opt-in to an opt-out voter registration model under Governor Josh Shapiro. This change meant that individuals applying for a driver's license or ID card are automatically registered to vote unless they choose not to.
The audit, covering a period from January to June 2024, was not intended to examine the state's voter rolls but focused on the mechanics of the Motor Voter system. DeFoor, a Republican, stressed that the audit was not a search for noncitizen voting but a check on the system's effectiveness in preventing such occurrences.
As reported by WGAL, the audit found that 57 other flagged applications were from actual citizens, flagged due to a search error. The audit's findings have led to recommendations for improved data security protocols and user access controls within PennDOT.
The audit confirms that while the Motor Voter system is effective, there is room for improvement to ensure its integrity and compliance with state and federal laws.