A federal judge has ordered Alabama’s Republican secretary of state to reverse a program that purged more than 3,000 names from the state’s voter rolls, citing that the purge took place too close to the election. The judge, appointed by former President Donald Trump, stated that federal law requires systematic purges of ineligible voters to be completed no later than ninety days before a federal election. Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen’s purge program began eighty-four days before the 2024 General Election, admitting that it included both US citizens and noncitizens referred to the state’s attorney general for investigation.
The ruling by US District Judge Anna Manasco is a victory for the US Justice Department and several voters who sued Allen, alleging that he unlawfully removed 3,251 names from the state’s registration lists. Despite Republicans making noncitizen voting a major issue ahead of the 2024 election, voting by noncitizens is illegal and exceedingly rare. The injunction put in place by the judge will expire after the 2024 election. Allen’s office has yet to comment on the ruling, while an attorney representing voters involved in the lawsuit described the order as a win for voters and fair election practices.
Secretary of State Allen had announced in August that he began removing individuals identified as noncitizens from the voter rolls, acknowledging that some may have since become naturalized citizens. However, lawsuits argued that his actions violated the National Voter Registration Act, which mandates a 90-day quiet period during which ineligible voters cannot be systematically removed from the lists. Studies from think tanks suggest that instances of noncitizens voting in US elections are rare and usually identified when they occur, indicating that it is not a widespread issue.
In a separate lawsuit in Virginia, the Justice Department also alleged violations of the NVRA quiet period by state officials purging potential noncitizen voters from the rolls. Nonpartisan election law experts have noted the limited nature of noncitizen voting and the existing safeguards in place to prevent it from impacting election outcomes. This case, along with others challenging voter purge programs, highlights the importance of adhering to federal laws governing voter registration and protection of voting rights. The legal battles surrounding voter purges and noncitizen voting allegations underscore the significance of maintaining fair and free elections in the US.
The court’s decision to issue a preliminary injunction against Alabama’s voter purge program emphasizes the importance of following established procedures and laws to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. By halting the removal of individuals from the voter rolls close to the election date, the judge’s ruling aims to protect the voting rights of eligible citizens and prevent last-minute disruptions to the election process. The legal challenges brought by the US Justice Department and concerned voters exemplify the ongoing efforts to safeguard democracy and uphold the principles of fair and free elections in Alabama and other states across the country. As the 2024 election approaches, it is crucial for officials to adhere to federal regulations and respect the deadline for voter purges to maintain transparency and accountability in the electoral system.
