DOJ Battles Over Virginia’s Efforts to Remove Illegal Aliens from Voter Rolls Ahead of 2024 Election

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched a lawsuit against the state of Virginia, accusing the state of violating federal election law by removing noncitizens from voter rolls too close to the 2024 election. The legal battle stems from Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin's executive order, which mandated the removal of ineligible voters—specifically illegal immigrants—before the November election. The DOJ claims this violates the National Voter Registration Act, which limits voter roll purges in the months preceding an election.

Republican lawmakers have criticized the DOJ’s actions, framing the lawsuit as an attack on election integrity efforts. Virginia officials argue that maintaining accurate voter rolls is essential to ensuring that only eligible citizens can vote, particularly with concerns rising about illegal aliens being registered improperly.

Supporters of Youngkin's order insist that these measures protect the sanctity of the electoral process. Between 2022 and 2023, over 6,300 noncitizens were removed from Virginia's voter rolls, sparking debates over whether these efforts are too aggressive and whether they disenfranchise eligible voters inadvertently​.

The conflict over this voter roll maintenance policy has fueled broader political debates, with conservative leaders questioning why the DOJ has not acted more decisively to prevent illegal voting. In recent months, Republicans have highlighted instances in both Virginia and Texas, where thousands of noncitizens were reportedly found on voter rolls. This has raised alarms about potential voter fraud and eroded public trust in the election system​.

Senators like Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and John Hoeven (R-ND) have led the charge, demanding answers from Attorney General Merrick Garland. They accuse the DOJ of failing to prosecute instances of illegal voting by noncitizens and argue that the department’s inaction undermines election integrity. As of early October 2024, the DOJ has not responded to inquiries made by these lawmakers, heightening tensions as the election nears​.

This legal clash is part of a larger trend of Republicans pushing for stricter voter identification laws and more rigorous enforcement of voter eligibility rules. Former President Donald Trump and his allies have long criticized the Biden administration for being soft on election security, with Trump repeatedly asserting that illegal immigrants could sway the election. These claims have been used to galvanize support for Republican-backed legislation, such as the SAVE Act, which would prohibit noncitizens from voting in federal elections.

The DOJ lawsuit also comes amid concerns that aggressive voter roll purges could inadvertently disenfranchise legitimate voters, especially those with citizenship but unclear DMV records. Virginia has already faced criticism for past mistakes, including the wrongful removal of nearly 3,400 voters last year due to clerical errors. Voting rights advocates warn that last-minute purges could suppress turnout, particularly in minority communities​.

The stakes are high, with both sides framing the issue as essential to the integrity of the 2024 election. As legal proceedings unfold, Virginia’s actions and the DOJ’s response could have significant implications for election laws nationwide, shaping how voter rolls are managed in future elections.

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