Countywide : Gallegly Criticizes ‘Motor-Voter’ Bill
Rep. Elton Gallegly said Thursday that a bill that would allow people to register to vote when they apply for driver’s licenses is an open invitation to fraud.
The so-called “Motor-Voter” bill easily passed the House of Representatives and now moves to the Senate.
Gallegly, R-Simi Valley, said the proposal would make it easier for illegal immigrants to register to vote and claim welfare benefits. He said counterfeit copies of the documents needed to qualify for a driver’s license can be easily purchased by illegal immigrants.
“The potential for voter fraud is significant,” Gallegly said. “I think we should do everything we can to encourage people to vote. But I don’t think we should encourage fraud.”
Advocates of the bill have argued that it would increase participation in the democratic process by making it easier for people to participate as voters.
In addition, Gallegly said the proposal would improperly force state motor vehicle departments to deal with voter registration.
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