The Justice Department recently sued Alabama for attempting to remove over 3,000 names from its voter rolls too close to an election, which they argued violated federal law. Despite the possibility that some of those individuals may now be naturalized citizens eligible to vote, the GOP Secretary of State Wes Allen started the process of removing them on August 13. The National Voter Registration Act prohibits states from systematically removing ineligible voters within 90 days of an election, which the lawsuit claims Alabama’s actions violated.
The lawsuit filed by the Justice Department highlighted that more than 700 affected individuals have re-registered and returned to active status on the voter rolls. However, there may still be several hundred or even thousands of registered, eligible U.S. citizens who remain in inactive status, putting them at risk of disenfranchisement just weeks before the upcoming election. The complaint argued that Alabama’s actions have confused and deterred eligible voters, going against Congress’s intent when enacting the Quiet Period Provision to prevent such scenarios.
Studies have shown that instances of noncitizens voting in U.S. elections are rare and are typically caught when they do occur. Both liberal and conservative think tanks have confirmed this, dispelling the myth that noncitizen voting is a widespread issue in the country. The new lawsuit against Alabama’s voter roll purge expands the legal fight against these actions, which were previously challenged by voters in the state. The consolidation of these cases by the judge highlights the time-sensitive nature of these lawsuits and the need for judicial efficiency.
The Justice Department is seeking to reverse Alabama’s actions for all eligible voters impacted by the purge so they can vote without impediments on Election Day. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke emphasized the importance of addressing voter confusion resulting from the state’s list maintenance mailings that violated federal law. Alabama’s Secretary of State, Wes Allen, declined to comment on the lawsuit but stated that it is his constitutional duty to ensure only American citizens vote in U.S. elections, emphasizing his obligation to prevent noncitizens from voting.
The lawsuit reflects the ongoing legal battle over voter suppression and disenfranchisement issues that have been prevalent in recent years. Ensuring that all eligible voters can exercise their right to vote without facing unnecessary obstacles or confusion is essential for upholding the integrity of the electoral process. The Justice Department’s efforts to protect voting rights and hold states accountable for violating federal laws demonstrate the importance of upholding the democratic principles on which the U.S. electoral system is based. By challenging actions like Alabama’s voter roll purge, the DOJ is working to safeguard the rights of all eligible voters and promote fair and transparent elections.
