Two Tennessee lawmakers are calling for an investigation after the state coordinator of elections sent out over 14,000 letters asking voters for proof of their citizenship before the upcoming election. The letter, sent by Mark Goins, asks for proof of citizenship from select voters and has been criticized by State Rep. John Ray Clemmons as voter intimidation.
The letter, received by a select group of Tennesseans, asks for proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or U.S. passport. Clemmons believes that this letter gives the false impression that voters must go through an additional procedural step before being able to vote in upcoming elections. He has called for an investigation by the Tennessee Attorney General into why these voters were targeted.
In response to the backlash, the coordinator of elections stated that they are legally verifying voter rolls to ensure accuracy and current information. The goal is to ensure that only eligible citizens are registered to vote in Tennessee, following T.C.A. law requirements. The coordinator also emphasized that the information received will be securely stored and that the responses from citizens wanting to correct their information have been positive.
This controversial move by the state coordinator of elections has sparked outrage and calls for transparency in the election process. As early voting for primaries approaches, the investigation into these letters remains ongoing to ensure that all eligible voters are able to cast their ballots without facing intimidation or unnecessary obstacles.
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