STATEMENT ON SECRETARY OF STATE ADVISORY OPINION ON VOTING USING NON-CITIZEN DRIVER LICENSES

(Austin, TX) — Voter fraud is a second-degree felony in Texas and is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Illegal immigrants are not eligible to vote in the state of Texas due to the policies the legislature has enacted.

Under the questionable leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, the influx of illegal immigrants entering Texas is at an all-time high and has put a strain on the systems in place by the legislature that ensures the integrity of our elections. The Texas House prioritizes the fairness of our local, state and federal elections. Rep. Patterson is focused on fighting the Biden-Harris open border policies.

Texas currently allows temporary or limited-time Texas driver’s licenses (LTDL) or identification cards for non-citizens with temporary legal status. These temporary licenses, while legal forms of identification, do not and should not provide the same power to vote as standard forms of government-issued identification to citizens of the United States. However, the recent Secretary of State (SOS) advisory opinion seems to blur the lines of what identification is needed in order to cast a vote in Texas.

The advisory opinion on October 8th states, “It [temporary driver’s licenses] otherwise constitutes a valid form of ID.” Consequently, an individual with only an LTDL can be provided a countable voting ballot. Under this rule, it appears that a noncitizen with an LTDL could vote in a Texas election as early as this November, raising concerns across the State.

The sanctity of elections in Texas must remain a high priority. In response to rising concerns of election integrity, many counties have implemented systems to further strengthen the review of ballots. For example, Denton County purchased the HART Verity voting system, which prints out handwritten ballots. Denton County was the first county within the United States to adopt the use of this system.

“Texas elections are meant for legal citizens to vote for the officials who will represent them in the State and nationally. The ability to vote is a privilege and should not be given to anyone who does not have the proper identification demonstrating their right to vote.” stated Rep. Patterson. “I am formally requesting the Secretary of State’s Office to provide more information on this advisory opinion as to make assurances to myself and citizens across the state that the upcoming election on November 5th is secure from fraudulent voting and accurately represents the will of Texans.”

Jared Patterson represents House District 106, in Denton County. Patterson serves as Chairman of the Select Committee to Protect Texas LNG Exports and Joint-Chairman of the Study Committee on Effects of Media on Minors. He also serves on the House Committees on Calendars, Transportation, and Licensing & Administrative Procedures, and as Policy Chair of the Texas House Republican Caucus. His family resides in Frisco.