Alaska Sends Thousands Of Voters Citizenship Verification Letters Ahead Of Midterm Elections

Alaska election officials have mailed more than 3,000 letters to registered voters asking them to verify their U.S. citizenship ahead of this year’s elections, marking a dramatic increase from the roughly 200 cases that typically arise during routine voter roll maintenance. The move is part of the state’s effort to ensure only eligible citizens remain on the voter rolls.

According to the Alaska Division of Elections, approximately 3,048 letters were sent after a comparison of the state’s voter registration records with information maintained by the Division of Motor Vehicles identified individuals whose citizenship status required further review. Elections Director Carol Beecher told lawmakers that outdated DMV records likely caused the unusually large number of letters.

State officials emphasized that receiving one of the letters does not mean a voter has been removed from the rolls. Recipients can confirm their citizenship by mail, phone, or email without submitting additional documentation. Those who do not respond are placed on an inactive voter list but remain eligible to cast a provisional ballot by affirming under penalty of law that they meet the qualifications to vote.

The review comes as election officials across the country continue efforts to improve voter roll accuracy. Alaska officials said the state’s review is based on information provided by the DMV and is not connected to the state’s separate agreement to share voter information with federal agencies. Beecher said the process is intended to ensure election integrity while preserving every eligible citizen’s ability to vote.

Officials believe many of those flagged may have obtained driver’s licenses before becoming U.S. citizens but never updated their citizenship status with the DMV after naturalization. Election officials are encouraging residents who have become citizens since receiving their driver’s license or state identification card to update their records to avoid being flagged during future voter roll reviews.