Democracy Compromised

The League of Women Voters is concerned that the Committee on House Oversight’s investigation into alleged vote fraud in the Dornan/Sanchez election is being carried out in ways that may intimidate future voters and that lay the groundwork for legislation to undermine the National Voter Registration Act.

The committee investigation has focused on immigration records, using data bases that are inadequate or inaccurate for determining citizenship. Such information might appropriately be used as a beginning for further investigation. But it is entirely inappropriate to use such information to suggest that very large numbers of noncitizens may have voted.

Broad and as yet unsubstantiated charges of vote fraud have been made. Allegations have been targeted at new citizens. One of the effects of the charges and allegations will be to create an atmosphere where ethnic minorities feel that their participation is not encouraged.

The integrity of the voting process must be protected. When fraud is alleged, it must be fully investigated by law enforcement officials.

Where wrongdoing is found, vigorous prosecution is appropriate. This is the way to fight fraud. Political grandstanding does nothing to protect our election system.

We are also concerned that the scenario being played out by the committee is strikingly similar to one in 1995 when the committee held a hearing on voter registration and fraud in a vain attempt to create a rationale and momentum for amending the National Voter Registration Act, or motor voter law. We are concerned that the committee, once again, appears to be attempting to create momentum and support for amending the law.

BECKY CAIN

President

League of Women Voters

of the United States

Washington

* All on the same day, May 22, The Times reports that Hermandad Mexicana Nacional cannot account for more than $500,000 in federal grants; Orange County had more than 500,000 noncitizens with similar names at the time of the November election; and Nora and Gene Lum conspired to evade federal campaign laws in 1994 to the tune of $50,000, were cohorts of John Huang and were frequent visitors at the Clinton White House.

It is clear that the federal government had no intention of stemming the invasion of illegal immigrants, that the INS is a joke and that our politicians have knowingly violated election campaign laws.

This is a crime against honest American voters.

JANET KNOPF

Newport Beach