Video Vault: If Illegal Immigrants Voted in New Jersey Did Any Vote Right Here in New York State?

Questions about election integrity in New Jersey prompted a broader discussion about New York's voter registration system as Erie County Clerk Mickey Kearns joined South Shore Press Managing Editor Stefan Mychajliw when he guest hosted on WBEN radio to discuss automatic voter registration and whether additional safeguards are needed.

Stefan Mychajliw: Mickey, New Jersey says thousands of non-citizens were improperly registered to vote because of a software error. How does New York's system work?

Mickey Kearns: When someone completes a DMV transaction, they're asked whether they're a U.S. citizen. New York participates in automatic voter registration, so the process largely depends on that response. As DMV employees, we're not permitted to question applicants or verify citizenship during the transaction.

Mychajliw: So is it possible someone who isn't a citizen could register to vote?

Kearns: It's possible. I raised concerns about the process years ago after filing a complaint with the Erie County Board of Elections. I assumed there was another level of verification, but I found there isn't an independent citizenship check built into the registration process.

Mychajliw: Do you know whether that's happened in Erie County? Kearns: I don't. Without an audit, I couldn't answer that. But the New Jersey situation shows why election systems should be reviewed whenever questions arise. Public confidence depends on making sure safeguards are working.

Mychajliw: What was your reaction when New Jersey disclosed the problem?

Kearns: I was surprised. Technology is helpful, but no system is perfect. That's why verification matters. If documentation is required for something like obtaining a REAL ID, it's reasonable to discuss whether additional safeguards belong elsewhere in the process.

Mychajliw: What's the takeaway?

Kearns: Voting should be accessible, but it also has to be secure. The goal is simple: only eligible citizens should be registered and voting. If New Jersey's experience leads to a closer review of election systems, that's a conversation worth having because public confidence in elections is essential.