The Department of Justice has sued the State of Alabama and its top election official, Secretary of State Wes Allen, alleging that they had removed voters with noncitizen identification numbers from the election rolls too close to election day. Noncitizen identification numbers are issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to ensure that individuals pay taxes, including undocumented immigrants. These numbers can also help legal migrants secure a driver’s license and provide proof of residency. Allen took office in January and identified and removed 3,251 individuals who were registered to vote in Alabama and had been issued noncitizen identification numbers by the Department of Homeland Security. He stated that he would not tolerate the participation of noncitizens in elections and that efforts were made to identify those on the list with noncitizen identification numbers.
The DOJ’s lawsuit against Alabama and Allen alleges that he violated the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA) by making changes to the voter registration lists 84 days before the federal elections, rather than the required 90 days. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke emphasized the importance of protecting the right to vote, especially as Election Day approaches, and ensuring that voter confusion resulting from list maintenance mailings is addressed. The DOJ also claimed that Allen’s removal of voter registrations impacted natural-born citizens who were incorrectly identified as potential noncitizens. The agency seeks injunctive relief to restore the ability of impacted eligible voters to vote unimpeded on Election Day, as well as remedial mailings to educate eligible voters about the restoration of their rights, and training of local officials and poll workers to address confusion and distrust among eligible voters.
In response to the DOJ’s lawsuit, Secretary of State Wes Allen stated that he was elected by the people of Alabama and that it is his constitutional duty to ensure that only American citizens vote in elections. He did not comment on the pending litigation, where he is a named defendant. The DOJ’s lawsuit seeks to address voter confusion and ensure that eligible voters are able to exercise their right to vote without impediment. The DOJ aims to educate voters about their rights, provide training to officials and poll workers, and correct any misunderstandings that may have arisen from Allen’s removal of voter registrations. The lawsuit highlights the importance of protecting the right to vote and ensuring that all eligible citizens are able to participate in the electoral process.
The issue of noncitizens participating in elections is a contentious one, with both sides of the debate presenting compelling arguments. While some argue that noncitizens should not have the right to vote, others advocate for more inclusive and accessible voting practices. The DOJ’s lawsuit against Alabama and Allen reflects the ongoing debate over voter eligibility and the importance of upholding federal voting laws. As the case unfolds, it will be crucial to consider the rights of all eligible voters and ensure that measures are in place to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
Overall, the DOJ’s lawsuit against Alabama and Secretary of State Wes Allen raises important questions about voter eligibility, the protection of voting rights, and the implementation of federal voting laws. As the legal proceedings progress, it will be essential to consider the impact of voter registration changes on eligible voters and address any voter confusion that may arise. The case underscores the significance of ensuring that all eligible citizens have the opportunity to participate in elections and exercise their fundamental right to vote. By addressing the issues raised in the lawsuit, Alabama can work towards safeguarding the integrity of its electoral process and upholding the principles of democracy.
