That’s according to an analysis of the state’s voter registration list and citizenship data in the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database, completed by the Texas Secretary of State’s office.
“Only eligible United States citizens may participate in our elections,” Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson said in a statement. “The Trump Administration’s decision to give states free and direct access to this data set for the first time has been a game changer, and we appreciate the partnership with the federal government to verify the citizenship of those on our voter rolls and maintain accurate voter lists.”
The review identified 9 potential noncitizens registered to vote in Smith County, as part of a statewide review that found 2,724 potential noncitizens. Nelson’s office has provided those records to county officials, who are now responsible for investigating voter eligibility and removing ineligible voters as required under Chapter 16 of the Texas Election Code. Individuals determined to be noncitizens who voted in a Texas election will be referred to the Office of the Attorney General.
Under Sections 16.033 and 16.0332 of the Texas Election Code, voters identified as potential noncitizens receive a notice from their county registrar. They may present proof of citizenship to remain registered, but if no response is received within 30 days, their registration is canceled. Canceled registrations can be reinstated immediately upon showing proof of U.S. citizenship at an elections office or polling place.
“Everyone’s right to vote is sacred and must be protected,” Nelson said. “We encourage counties to conduct rigorous investigations to determine if any voter is ineligible — just as they do with any other data set we provide. The SAVE database has proven to be a critically important tool and one of many we will continue to use to ensure that only qualified voters cast a ballot in our elections.”
Texas was among the first states to partner with the federal government to cross-check voter rolls against the SAVE database. In an earlier phase, focused on the November 2024 election, the state referred 33 voters to the Attorney General’s Office for further review.
