A federal judge has allowed Iowa officials to continue disputing ballots cast by potential noncitizens just before Election Day. Judge Stephen Locher ruled in favor of the state, which was being sued by the ACLU on behalf of four recently-documented U.S. citizens and the League of Latin American Citizens of Iowa. Iowa officials, led by Secretary of State Paul Pate, have been trying to investigate over 2,000 names on voter rolls that may belong to noncitizens. Pate stated during a press conference on Oct. 30 that they have concerns about noncitizens voting illegally and need answers. While no one has been removed from the voter rolls, officials are requiring those in question to use provisional ballots to confirm their citizenship status.
The ruling by Judge Locher allows Iowa officials to continue their efforts to verify the citizenship status of voters without removing anyone from the voting rolls. This decision came in response to the ACLU’s argument that the state’s efforts threatened the voting rights of recently-naturalized citizens. The ACLU did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The ruling follows a divisive poll indicating that Vice President Kamala Harris has a three-point lead in Iowa, contradicting previous reports suggesting the state is a safe red state. The Trump campaign has disputed the poll results, referring to a poll from Emerson College as a more accurate reflection of the Iowa electorate.
The ruling by Judge Locher has enabled Iowa officials to challenge the votes of individuals who may not be citizens and require them to use provisional ballots to verify their citizenship status. This decision has sparked controversy, with the Trump campaign disputing the poll results showing Harris with a lead in Iowa. Instead, they are favoring a poll from Emerson College as a more accurate representation of the state’s electorate. The case has highlighted concerns about noncitizens voting illegally and the need to ensure the integrity of the voting process. The ACLU’s lawsuit sought to protect the voting rights of recently-naturalized citizens while also addressing the issue of potential voter fraud.
Overall, the ruling by Judge Locher allows Iowa officials to proceed with their efforts to investigate potential noncitizen voters without removing anyone from the voter rolls. This decision comes amid a contentious election season, with conflicting polls indicating different outcomes for Iowa’s electoral landscape. The state’s Secretary of State has emphasized the need to confirm the citizenship status of individuals on the voter rolls, highlighting concerns about noncitizens voting illegally. The ACLU’s lawsuit sought to defend the voting rights of recently-naturalized citizens while ensuring that the voting process maintains its integrity. As Election Day looms, the dispute over noncitizen voters in Iowa continues to be a point of contention, with both sides presenting differing views on the issue.
