The Justice Department has sued Alabama over the state’s attempt to remove over 3,000 names from its voter rolls, alleging that the purge violated federal law. Alabama’s GOP Secretary of State Wes Allen had announced the removal of 3,251 individuals identified as noncitizens, despite the possibility that some may now be naturalized citizens eligible to vote. The lawsuit argues that this action violated the National Voter Registration Act, which mandates a 90-day quiet period during which ineligible voters cannot be removed from the lists. The DOJ contends that this purge could disenfranchise eligible voters just before the upcoming federal election.
The lawsuit highlights that many impacted individuals have since re-registered and returned to active status, but potentially eligible U.S. citizens remain in inactive status and risk disenfranchisement. The DOJ argues that Alabama’s actions have confused and deterred eligible voters, contrary to the intent of the Quiet Period Provision in federal law. The complaint suggests that such actions are error-prone and could lead to eligible voters being disenfranchised. Studies have shown that instances of noncitizens voting are rare and usually caught, debunking claims of widespread voter fraud in US elections.
The legal battle against Alabama’s voter roll purge has been expanded, with the DOJ seeking to reverse the state’s actions for eligible voters impacted by the purge. The Justice Department is asking the court to ensure that those affected can vote without hindrance on Election Day. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke emphasized the importance of protecting the voting rights of every eligible voter. Secretary of State Wes Allen, while declining to comment on the lawsuit, stated that it is his duty to prevent noncitizens from voting in US elections.
The consolidation of the lawsuits brought by impacted voters and the Justice Department highlights the time-sensitive nature of the legal challenge and the need for judicial efficiency. The DOJ’s lawsuit against Alabama’s actions underscores the government’s commitment to upholding voting rights and ensuring that eligible voters are not disenfranchised. The lawsuit aims to rectify voter confusion resulting from the state’s list maintenance mailings sent in violation of federal law. Despite the pending litigation, Secretary of State Wes Allen reiterated his commitment to ensuring that only American citizens vote in Alabama’s elections.
In conclusion, the legal dispute between the Justice Department and Alabama over the state’s voter roll purge underscores the ongoing battle over voting rights and allegations of voter fraud. The lawsuit challenges Alabama’s actions as violating federal law and potentially disenfranchising eligible voters. The DOJ is seeking to reverse the state’s purge for impacted eligible voters and ensure that they can vote without impediment in the upcoming election. The outcome of this legal battle will have implications for the protection of voting rights and the integrity of the electoral process in Alabama and beyond.
