During a recent Washington County government meeting, significant concerns regarding the integrity of voter rolls and compliance with federal election laws were raised by residents. The discussions centered around the management of voter registrations, particularly the presence of deceased individuals on the rolls and the implications for election security.

Mary, a long-time resident, presented findings from a citizen-led case study that reviewed approximately 11,300 voter registration records from October 2020 to January 2023. The study revealed that 2,537 deceased individuals remained on the voter rolls, with many not removed until years after their deaths. Alarmingly, 15 deceased individuals were found to have cast a total of 21 ballots after their deaths, raising questions about the potential for voter fraud. The study concluded that Washington County's voter rolls are not only disorganized but also in violation of federal law, specifically the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA).

Jill Latray further emphasized the issues highlighted in a recent lawsuit filed against the Oregon Secretary of State, which claims that the state has failed to adequately maintain its voter registration lists as required by the NVRA. Latray pointed out that many counties, including Washington County, have removed very few registrations, indicating a lack of compliance with federal standards.

In contrast, Brenda Berrati defended the integrity of Oregon's election system, arguing that claims of widespread voter fraud are unfounded. She cited data showing that instances of fraud are exceedingly rare, with investigations revealing that errors in voter registration were due to administrative mistakes rather than systemic issues.

The meeting underscored a growing divide in public opinion regarding election integrity in Oregon, with some residents calling for immediate reforms to voter roll management, while others expressed confidence in the current system. The discussions reflect ongoing tensions surrounding election security and the need for transparency in the electoral process.