A lawsuit filed against Virginia officials alleges that an effort to remove noncitizens from voter rolls violates federal law, claiming it's a "Purge Program" that cancels registrations of naturalized U.S. citizens.
Early voting for the 2024 elections has begun in Virginia, but it has also ignited a legal battle over a voter roll maintenance effort targeting noncitizens.
A lawsuit filed by the Virginia Coalition for Immigrant Rights, League of Women Voters of Virginia, and the League of Women Voters of Virginia Education Fund alleges that the effort, dubbed a "Purge Program," violates the National Voter Registration Act.
Early Voting Sparks Legal Dispute in Virginia Over Noncitizen Voter Purge Program
The suit claims that the program was initiated less than 60 days before the election, which is prohibited by the 90-day "quiet period" before an election. It also alleges that the program has resulted in the cancellation of voter registrations of naturalized U.S. citizens.
Christian Martinez, a spokesperson for Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin (R), defended the process, stating that it is mandated by Virginia law and begins after an individual indicates they are not a citizen. He further denounced those who spread misinformation about the program as either ignorant of Virginia law or attempting to undermine it by advocating for noncitizen voting.
Early Voting Sparks Legal Dispute in Virginia Over Noncitizen Voter Purge Program
Shaun Kenney, a spokesperson for the attorney general, expressed confidence in the Department of Elections' stance and stated they are prepared to defend it.
The lawsuit asserts that the program is illegal, discriminatory, and error-ridden, jeopardizing the rights of countless voters.
Early Voting Sparks Legal Dispute in Virginia Over Noncitizen Voter Purge Program
Virginia law mandates that the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) provide the state elections office with information about individuals who indicate they are noncitizens during DMV transactions.
The suit references a previous effort to purge noncitizens from voter rolls in 2019, which was later found to have removed hundreds of eligible voters in error.
Early Voting Sparks Legal Dispute in Virginia Over Noncitizen Voter Purge Program
Plaintiffs argue that the current program is based on the same flawed data and procedures, raising concerns about its accuracy and potential for disenfranchisement.
The lawsuit seeks an injunction to halt the Purge Program and a declaration that it violates federal law.
Early voting in Virginia began on September 20, 2024, and will continue until October 28, 2024.
