Video Vault: Does NYS and NJ Rely on the "Honor System" to Block Illegal Immigrants From Voting?

Election integrity was the focus as South Shore Press Managing Editor Stefan Mychajliw interviewed former New York State Board of Elections legal counsel Joe Burns, now an attorney with Holtzman Vogel, about New Jersey's voter registration controversy and the proposed SAVE Act. Mychajliw filled in on Newsradio 930 WBEN.

Stefan Mychajliw: Joe, what happened in New Jersey? The governor says roughly 6,600 non-citizens were automatically registered to vote, and some even cast ballots. Is voter registration essentially operating on the honor system?

Joe Burns: To a degree, yes. Applicants are asked whether they're U.S. citizens. If they answer yes, registration continues. If they answer no, it's supposed to stop. Based on what's been reported, it appears some individuals identified themselves as non-citizens, but the registration system processed them anyway. If that's what occurred, it's a significant systems failure.

Mychajliw: Could the same thing happen elsewhere?

Burns: Every registration system depends on people providing truthful information and technology functioning correctly. We know neither is perfect. That's why safeguards matter. Just like you show identification before boarding a plane, election systems should have multiple layers of verification.

Mychajliw: Is that where the SAVE Act comes into play?

Burns: Exactly. The proposal would require proof of citizenship when registering to vote. That creates another layer of protection to ensure only eligible citizens are added to the voter rolls.

Mychajliw: Does New Jersey's disclosure raise broader questions about election systems in other states?

Burns: I think it certainly justifies asking those questions. Election officials should thoroughly review their systems and cooperate with investigations to ensure they're operating as intended. Public confidence depends on knowing safeguards are working.

Mychajliw: Does this strengthen the argument for requiring proof of citizenship and voter identification?

Burns: I believe it does. Like locking your doors or carrying insurance, election security works best with multiple safeguards. Requiring proof of citizenship to register and photo identification to vote would strengthen confidence that only eligible citizens are participating in our elections.