Noem Advocates for Election Integrity in Arizona
During a press conference in Arizona on Friday, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called for the approval of the American Voter Eligibility Safeguards Act.
Noem addressed reporters following a roundtable meeting with local officials, which included Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap, Arizona Assistant Attorney General Jennifer Wright, and State Rep. John Gillette (R).
Noem stated, “The only reason anyone is against this bill is because they are trying to deceive.” She emphasized that President Donald Trump has prioritized election integrity within his “Make America Great Again” initiative.
Noem pointed out that the electoral system in the U.S. “requires significant improvement” and suggested this is a “great opportunity” for the country to demonstrate its commitment to securing elections and protecting its democratic principles.
She mentioned that the House has already passed the Save America Act. Earlier this week, she argued that if enacted, the bill would implement “common sense and straightforward” protocols, including requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration and permitting states to remove non-citizens from voter lists.
“These measures are widely supported by Americans,” Noem added, claiming that “Americans possess common sense and want these reforms in their elections.”
Noem referenced recent polling indicating that 84% of Americans approve requiring a photo ID to vote, and 83% favor the need for proof of citizenship when registering to vote.
Noem asserted, “It’s common sense that our elections be governed by the American people, that their votes be counted, and that each vote carries equal weight.” She further stated that it’s logical to prevent non-citizens from participating in elections and influencing leadership decisions.
She argued that there are instances of non-citizens voting in elections, citing examples of illegal aliens registered in states like Maryland and Kansas.
Noem criticized current regulations under the National Voter Registration Act, which hinder states from verifying citizenship during registration, stating that the SAVE America Act would address this issue.
She faced allegations from the left claiming the SAVE Act might disenfranchise voters, including newlyweds changing their names or military personnel stationed abroad. Noem dismissed these assertions as “absolutely ridiculous” and “completely erroneous.”
“All objections against this bill are unfounded fears from the radical left, who seem to support illegal voting,” she claimed, emphasizing that the opposition’s primary motive is to cheat.
Reporters probed Noem on the implications of overstating electoral security concerns without evidence, questioning if it would erode public trust or propagate misinformation.
Noem acknowledged the existence of a SAVE program in Arizona, which allows election officials to verify voter rolls.
Expressing concern, she noted there may be many individuals on Arizona’s voter rolls who shouldn’t have the right to vote, possibly residing in other states.
“I recognize that there are mobile homes and boats that people might list as voter registration addresses, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they live there,” she remarked, suggesting they could be residing in states like California or on the East Coast.
Noem stated that Arizona has faced significant electoral challenges, accusing local leaders of failing to provide a functioning system for voters. She criticized the long lines and issues with machines and software glitches, stating, “No state can do better than Arizona.”
