LOCKPORT, N.Y. (WKBW) — Niagara County is ready to sue the state. The county legislature voted, unanimously, Tuesday night, to seek legal action over the Green Light Law. That’s the law that allows undocumented immigrants the right to get a driver’s license. The reason for the proposed suit is to prevent potential voter fraud.
“Our hope, with this litigation, is to stop the process before it begins and among other things, to maintain the sanctity of our voting process,” said Niagara County Legislator Rebecca Wydysh.
“If it's one, if it's one, they're impacting the vote. That's the bottom line,” said Niagara County Clerk Joseph Jastrzemski about potential illegal voters.
The Niagara County Clerk says, when an undocumented immigrant gets a license, there is no way to know whether they identify they're legal status. A situation that could allow them to vote.
“You just check the box, and we don't know what happens. And once you check it, it goes onto Albany, and when Albany receives it, they forward it onto the board of elections, and then when the Board of Election gets it, all they do is notify that you are able to vote and that's where it's at. There is no safe guards and there is no way to go back and check whether they are legal or not legal,” added Jastrzemski.
In a statement, New York Attorney General Letitia James wrote: "The Green Light law is well crafted, and as the state's attorney and chief law enforcement officer, my office will vigorously defend it."
