Additional Coverage:
Alabama Voter Purging Program Halted
A federal judge has stopped a program that made thousands of legal Alabama voters inactive. The program, launched by Republican Secretary of State Wes Allen, targeted potential noncitizens registered to vote.
Program Violated Federal Law
The Department of Justice and civil rights groups sued, arguing that the program violated federal law by removing voters from rolls within 90 days of an election. The judge agreed, saying Allen’s office “blew the deadline.”
Thousands of Legal Voters Impacted
The program identified 3,251 potential noncitizens but mistakenly included 2,000 legal voters. Over 900 proved their eligibility and were reactivated.
Criminal Referrals Criticized
Allen referred the list to the attorney general for criminal prosecution, a move the judge deemed “irreparable harm.”
State Officials Still Allowed to Remove Ineligible Voters
Allen can still remove ineligible voters on an individual basis, but the mass purging program is halted.
Program Injected Chaos
Attorneys argued that the program created confusion and uncertainty among voters. The injunction aims to restore confidence before the November election.
Victory for Legal Voters
Advocates praised the decision, saying it protects naturalized citizens and sends a message that states cannot discriminate against legal voters.