Summary
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has intervened in voter roll purges in Alabama and Virginia, filing lawsuits against both states for allegedly violating the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). The lawsuits assert that both states improperly removed voters, including U.S. citizens, from their rolls within 90 days of upcoming elections, a period designated as the “Quiet Period” under federal law.
In Virginia, the DOJ’s lawsuit targets an executive order signed by Governor Glenn Youngkin that mandated the removal of individuals identified as noncitizens from the voter rolls. The DOJ argues this action violated the NVRA by not allowing sufficient time for voters to respond to verification requests before the election. Youngkin has defended his actions, claiming they are necessary to ensure election integrity and that the removals were lawful under a 2006 state law. Similarly, in Alabama, the DOJ’s complaint highlights that the state had begun its voter roll purge too close to the election, potentially disenfranchising eligible voters. The DOJ contends that such systematic removals could lead to confusion and unjust disenfranchisement, particularly affecting naturalized citizens who may be incorrectly identified as noncitizens.
Legal Framework and Implications
The NVRA’s Quiet Period Provision prohibits states from conducting systematic removals of voters from registration lists within 90 days of a federal election. This law aims to protect eligible voters from being disenfranchised due to administrative errors or hasty actions taken close to election dates. The DOJ’s lawsuits in both Virginia and Alabama underscore the importance of adhering to these federal regulations, emphasizing that the removal processes in place may inadvertently harm eligible voters.
Political Reactions
Both lawsuits have sparked significant political responses. Governor Youngkin has labeled the DOJ’s actions as politically motivated, asserting that they undermine the legitimacy of elections in Virginia. He argues that the state is merely enforcing existing laws to maintain the integrity of its voter rolls. In contrast, critics argue that the aggressive purging of voter rolls, particularly of individuals identified as noncitizens, can lead to disenfranchisement and a loss of public trust in the electoral process.
Broader Context
The DOJ’s interventions reflect ongoing national debates about election integrity, voter identification laws, and the treatment of noncitizen voters. The focus on alleged noncitizen voting has been a contentious issue, with many experts asserting that instances of noncitizen voting are exceedingly rare. These legal battles in Virginia and Alabama are part of a broader trend of scrutiny over state-level voting regulations, particularly as they relate to maintaining fair and accessible elections.
2024 election fact check: Noncitizens can't vote, and instances are 'vanishingly rare'
Oct. 28 / Abc7 Chicago / Explores the political ramifications of the DOJ's intervention, capturing the tension between state and federal authorities. While it effectively outlines the stakes, it may benefit from a deeper analysis of voter impact. “ Former President Donald Trump and Republican leaders across the country have for months characterized the alleged scourge of noncitizen voting as a pressing...
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Oct. 25 / Fox News / Reports on a federal judge's ruling that reinstates voters removed from Virginia's rolls, providing essential legal context. The article effectively highlights the implications for voter access, though it lacks broader analysis. “ Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin criticizes the DOJ's voting lawsuit against his state and reacts to former Trump staffers speaking out against the former...
Oct. 25 / Dailycaller / Critiques the DOJ's lawsuit, presenting a perspective that aligns with conservative viewpoints. The focus on public opinion regarding voter ID laws adds a unique angle, though it may reflect bias in its framing. “ George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley criticized the Department of Justice Friday after a federal judge ordered Virginia to reinstate...
DOJ Sues Virginia For Purging Voter Rolls Close To Election
Oct. 15 / Zerohedge / Covers the DOJ's lawsuit in a concise manner, emphasizing the legal violations alleged. The article's clarity aids in understanding the situation, yet it could provide additional context on the political ramifications. “ Authored by Aldgra Fredly via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours), The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a lawsuit against Virginia on Oct. 11, alleging that the...
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Oct. 15 / Gazette / Examines the DOJ's aggressive stance on voter roll maintenance, positioning it as part of a larger trend. The inclusion of various state actions provides a comprehensive view, although it could delve deeper into specific cases. “ The Department of Justice ’s recent lawsuit against Virginia marked the second attempt in as many weeks from the federal government to stop states from...
Justice Department sues Virginia over effort to reduce voter rolls close to Election Day
Oct. 11 / Nbc News / Details the DOJ's legal arguments against Virginia, effectively explaining the Quiet Period Provision. The article's focus on the implications for eligible voters is commendable, although it lacks a counterpoint perspective. “ The Justice Department announced Friday that it is suing Virginia over its efforts to purge voter rolls within 90 days of an election, calling the state's...
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Oct. 11 / The Hill / Highlights the political implications of the DOJ's actions, capturing the tension between state officials and federal authorities. However, it could benefit from more details on the legal arguments presented. “ The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a lawsuit against the state of Virginia for purging voter rolls on Friday. The department claims state officials...
Virginia Illegally Removing Voters Before Election, DOJ Says: What We Know
Oct. 12 / Newsweek / Highlights the DOJ's legal accusations against Virginia, effectively detailing the implications of the "Quiet Period Provision." The article's clarity aids understanding, though it could use more political context. “ The (DOJ) has accused Virginia of violating federal law by attempting to remove voters from voter rolls shortly before this year's presidential election. The...
DOJ Sues Virginia Over Enforcement of 2006 Law Removing Noncitizens from Voter Lists
Oct. 12 / Brietbart / Provides a clear overview of the DOJ's lawsuit against Virginia, emphasizing the legal context of the Quiet Period Provision. The detailed explanation of the executive order enhances understanding but lacks depth on voter impact. “ The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that it was filing a lawsuit against the “State of Virginia, Virginia State Board of Elections and Virginia...
DOJ sues Virginia for allegedly purging noncitizens from voting rolls too close to election
Oct. 12 / Fox News / Offers a succinct summary of the DOJ's allegations against Virginia, effectively conveying the legal framework. The straightforward presentation is beneficial, though it could explore the broader implications more thoroughly. “ Virgina Gov. Glenn Youngkin discusses the number of Americans that have fallen victim to violence by illegal migrants on ‘Hannity.’ The U.S. Department of...
DOJ sues Virginia for allegedly purging voters too close to election - ABC News
Oct. 12 / Google News / Covers the DOJ's legal action against Virginia, providing essential details about the executive order and its implications. The article's straightforward approach is beneficial, yet it could incorporate more diverse viewpoints. “ DOJ sues Virginia for allegedly purging voters too close to election ABC NewsDOJ sues Virginia for allegedly purging noncitizens from voting rolls too close...
Oct. 12 / Google News / Presents a succinct overview of the DOJ's lawsuit, emphasizing the timeline and legal framework. However, it lacks depth in exploring the potential consequences for affected voters, missing a broader perspective. “ DOJ sues Virginia for allegedly purging noncitizens from voting rolls too close to election Fox NewsDOJ sues Virginia for allegedly purging voters too close...
Divide over election integrity threatens system
Oct. 11 / The Washington Times , America’s Newspaper / Discusses the broader implications of voter roll purges, framing it within national trends. The article's critical stance on state actions is noteworthy, but it may benefit from a more balanced exploration of perspectives. “ The great American voter purge is happening, and it’s a good thing. It appears to be happening in places where they appear to care more than others about...
'Cheating': Trump rages that 'unAmerican' Harris is behind feds' voting rights lawsuit
Oct. 12 / Raw Story / Presents former President Trump's reaction to the DOJ lawsuit, capturing the political rhetoric surrounding the issue. The article effectively illustrates the narrative of election interference but may lean towards sensationalism. “ Former President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform on Friday evening to rage against a new federal lawsuit accusing Virginia of an 11th-hour...