Quote Originally Posted by Jean View Post
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In a state like California, where every regular driver’s license holder is automatically registered to vote, ...

If someone returns a voter registration card and fails to affirm they are a U.S. citizen, his or her registration is treated as normal and placed on the voter rolls without any further verification, per the California Secretary of State’s official website.

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It is a very serious crime in California to vote illegally or to vote on behalf of someone who is not qualified to vote — punishable by up to 3 years in prison, with fines from $1,000 up to $25,000 (if the particular offense is a felony).

It is also a federal crime for a non-citizen alien to vote in any federal election, according to US Code 18 U.S.C. § 611 — punishable by up to one year of imprisonment.

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I don't think it is true that you are automatically registered to vote. You are asked if you want to register to vote. You are prompted to vote and you also answer the question, "Are you a citizen?" Read the rest and you see that if you applied for a driver's license and failed to demonstrate you were a citizen and also registered to vote, it would be a legal absurdity.

Voter registration cards are also available at the California DMV.