The Department of Justice (DOJ) has taken legal action against Alabama, alleging that the state and its top election official violated federal law by removing voters from registration rolls. The issue revolves around noncitizen identification numbers, which are tax-processing numbers issued by the IRS to individuals, including undocumented immigrants, to ensure they pay taxes. These numbers can also help legal migrants obtain driver’s licenses and prove residency.
Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, who took office in January, identified 3,251 individuals registered to vote in the state who had been issued noncitizen identification numbers. He then removed them from the voter rolls, stating, “I will not tolerate the participation of noncitizens in our elections.” Allen’s actions prompted the DOJ to file a lawsuit, arguing that he violated the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA). This act requires states to complete any changes to voter registration lists at least 90 days before federal elections. However, Allen implemented these changes only 84 days before the election, according to the DOJ.
The DOJ emphasizes the importance of protecting voting rights, stating, “The right to vote is one of the most sacred rights in our democracy.” They are calling for Alabama to rectify the confusion caused by the mailings related to the list maintenance and ensure that eligible voters can cast their ballots without hindrance.
Adding to the controversy, the DOJ alleges that Allen’s removal of voter registration also affected natural-born citizens who were mistakenly identified as potential noncitizens. The lawsuit seeks to ensure that those wrongly removed can vote freely and to educate voters about the restoration of their rights. The DOJ also wants local officials and poll workers to be properly trained to address any confusion or distrust among voters who may have been wrongly accused of being noncitizens.
The lawsuit against Alabama highlights the ongoing debate surrounding voter registration, particularly in regards to individuals who are not citizens. The DOJ’s intervention underscores the importance of protecting the voting rights of all eligible voters, even as states grapple with complex issues related to citizenship and voter registration.
