The Department of Justice (DoJ) has filed a lawsuit against Alabama and its chief election official for allegedly removing voters from the election rolls too close to the November election.
Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen revealed last month that 3,251 individuals with previously issued noncitizen identification numbers had their voter registrations inactivated.
The National Voter Registration Act bars the removal of voters from rolls within 90 days of a federal election. The DoJ claims that Alabama began this process 84 days before the upcoming November election.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division emphasised the importance of the right to vote, noting that Alabama must address voter confusion caused by the list maintenance mailings.
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the State of Alabama and Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen over the secretary’s effort to remove voters from the state’s rolls too close to the Nov. 5 election. https://t.co/pHVf64zAEz
— AL.com (@aldotcom) September 28, 2024
A review by the Justice Department found that several native-born and naturalised citizens were mistakenly labelled as potential noncitizens during the purge. Earlier this month, a coalition of voting rights groups also sued Allen, accusing him of unlawfully targeting and intimidating naturalised citizens.
The Justice Department is seeking injunctive relief to restore the voting rights of affected eligible voters on Election Day. It also demands mailings to inform eligible voters about the restoration of their rights and the proper training of local officials and poll workers to mitigate confusion and distrust.
In response to the DOJ lawsuit, Alabama Secretary of State Allen did not comment directly but stated that his duty is to ensure that only American citizens vote in elections, as mandated by his role.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Guardian reports the US Justice Department sues Alabama over a voter purge initiative, alleging it breaches the National Voter Registration Act’s ‘quiet period’ before federal elections, potentially disenfranchising naturalised citizens. (Read more)
- NPR reports the Justice Department sues Alabama over voter purge, citing federal regulations violated by removing eligible voters too close to the election. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why did the Department of Justice sue Alabama over voter rolls?
The DoJ sued Alabama for allegedly removing voters from rolls too close to the November election, violating federal law.
Who announced the voter registration inactivation in Alabama?
Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen announced the inactivation of 3,251 voter registrations.
What does the National Voter Registration Act prohibit?
The Act prohibits removing voters from rolls within 90 days of a federal election.
What did the DOJ’s review of the Alabama voter purge find?
The DOJ found native-born and naturalised citizens incorrectly identified as potential noncitizens.
What does the DOJ seek in its lawsuit against Alabama?
The DOJ seeks injunctive relief, educational mailings, and training for local officials to address voter confusion.
