Additional Coverage:
- GOP governor slams ‘unprecedented’ DOJ lawsuit over removal of noncitizens from voter rolls (foxnews.com)
Virginia Governor’s Office Accuses DOJ of Unprecedented Lawsuit
Governor Glenn Youngkin’s efforts to remove noncitizens from Virginia’s voter rolls have sparked a lawsuit from the Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ alleges that Youngkin violated federal law by requiring election officials to remove noncitizens who failed to respond to citizenship verification requests within 14 days.
Virginia Defends Removal Process
The governor’s office insists that the removal process has been in place for over 15 years and has been used by both Republican and Democratic governors. They argue that the 90-day quiet period before elections does not apply because Virginia conducts individualized reviews to correct voter records.
DOJ Seeks to Restore Voting Rights
The DOJ seeks to restore voting rights to eligible voters affected by the removal process and prevent future violations of the quiet period provision. The lawsuit comes amid ongoing concerns about potential noncitizen voting and disenfranchisement.
Lawmakers Raise Concerns
Dozens of lawmakers have expressed concerns about noncitizen voting and have sought more information from the DOJ. In August, Republican lawmakers pushed for a bill that would require proof of citizenship for voter registration and noncitizen removal from voter rolls.
DOJ Charges Illegal Immigrant
The DOJ recently announced charges against an illegal immigrant for stealing a U.S. citizen’s identity to vote and obtain a passport. This case highlights the agency’s efforts to combat voter fraud involving noncitizens.