The countdown to Election Day is on, and Virginia is locked in a high-stakes legal battle that could impact the outcome. Just days before voters head to the polls, Governor Glenn Youngkin is taking his fight to the Supreme Court, appealing a lower court ruling that blocked the state’s effort to remove potential noncitizens from voter rolls.
This eleventh-hour legal maneuver stems from a decision by a federal judge who halted Virginia’s removal process, reinstating approximately 1,600 voters. The judge’s order was based on the argument that the state’s removal process was too close to the election and violated a “quiet period” provision in the National Voter Registration Act (NRVA).
The NRVA aims to ensure a fair and smooth election process by prohibiting states from making significant changes to their voter rolls during the 90 days leading up to an election. This “quiet period” aims to prevent last-minute confusion and potential disenfranchisement of voters.
However, Virginia’s Attorney General, Jason S. Miyares, argues that the NRVA does not apply to noncitizens and that the state’s removal process is individualized, meaning each voter was notified and given a chance to prove their citizenship. He claims that the state’s actions were based on a 2006 state law and followed proper procedures.
The Supreme Court appeal will likely hinge on the interpretation of the NRVA and whether it applies to noncitizens. The court will also consider the validity of Virginia’s process for verifying citizenship. The outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for voter rights and the integrity of the election process in Virginia.
This case highlights the complex and often contentious legal battles surrounding voting rights in the United States. The outcome of this case, especially with such proximity to the election, could significantly impact the political landscape in Virginia and serve as a precedent for similar cases in other states.
