NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — We are hearing from more voters who got one of more than 14,000 letters from the Secretary of State's office, asking them to send in proof of their U.S. citizenship based on their voter registration.
The Secretary of State's office says it's a way to ensure the state's voter rolls are clean, but others are calling it a voter intimidation tactic.
Alba Garcia got her letter dated a couple weeks ago.
"I thought my identity was stolen for some reason because I've had a driver's license since I first moved to the state, and I've never had any issues with it," Alba said.
Alba says she became a U.S. citizen 10 years ago and immediately registered to vote.
The letter stops short of saying recipients must submit proof of their citizenship, but says they can.
The Secretary of State's office says it compared Tennessee's voter roles with data from the state Department of Safety and Homeland Security — the department that issues driver's licenses.
Democratic lawmakers and other groups have come out against what they call a voter intimidation effort.
Alba says she will not be sending in the citizenship proof she says she's already provided, and hopes her vote this year will count.
"Why send these letters to lawful citizens, because I did all my paperwork and did everything to become a citizen, so why are we being targeted?" Alba said.
I'm so thankful Robb Coles highlighted the Kamer Davis clinic in Hermitage and the hardship that may force its closure. The clinic provides care for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities and there is no other place like it nearby. You can tell the staff is so passionate about the care they provide. I hope by shining the light on this, the right person can step in and make a difference.
- Carrie Sharp
