DOJ accuses Alabama of clearing voter rolls too close to election
The Biden administration filed a suit against Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen Friday, accusing the election official of violating federal law by purging voter rolls too close to Election Day.
The lawsuit, filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ), alleges that Allen breached the “quiet period provision,” part of the National Voter Registration Act, which prevents systemic clearing of names from voter rolls within 90 days of an election.
“The right to vote is one of the most sacred rights in our democracy,” Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division said in a statement. “As Election Day approaches, it is critical that Alabama redress voter confusion resulting from its list maintenance mailings sent in violation of federal law."
"Officials across the country should take heed of the National Voter Registration Act’s clear and unequivocal restrictions on systematic list maintenance efforts that fall within 90 days of an election," she added.
DOJ's filing comes after Allen launched a “process to remove noncitizens registered to vote in Alabama" on Aug. 13. He, at the time, said that his office identified 3,251 individuals who are registered to vote in the state, but have been “issued noncitizen identification numbers” by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The secretary also added that some of those people have become naturalized citizens and therefore could legally vote.
The department said it discovered in its "review," that many native-born and naturalized citizens also received letters up to 84 days prior to the election saying their voting record was inactive and “they have been placed on a path for removal from Alabama’s statewide voter registration list.”
“I was elected Secretary of State by the people of Alabama, and it is my Constitutional duty to ensure that only American citizens vote in our elections,” Allen said in a statement to The Hill, but declined to talk about the lawsuit, saying his office does not comment on pending legislation.
DOJ’s lawsuit, which follows similar legal action taken by voter advocacy groups, seeks an injunctive relief that would allow those impacted citizens to vote in November.
Date: |
Topics
-
NBC News - Politics
Justice Department sues Alabama over effort to purge voter rolls within 90 days of election
The Justice Department sued Alabama, arguing that an effort to remove voters from state rolls was taking place too close to Election Day in violation of federal law.19 hours ago -
CBS News - Top stories
Maps show voter registration options and deadlines for 2024 election
In most states, those who wish to vote have more than one option that makes it easier and more convenient to register or update their registration than in past years.7 hours ago -
MarketWatch - Business
Presidential race’s winner may not be clear on election night. Here’s how investors can prepare.
The winner of the tight White House race won’t be determined on the night of Nov. 5, a UBS strategist said Thursday, but investors have a way to get positioned for that.2 days ago -
The Hill - Politics
The Switch Up Election Series: CBC chair unravels what's at stake for Black voters
As chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.) leads a host of 60 members in advocating for the needs of Black Americans. On the latest edition of The Switch Up's ...Yesterday -
Financial Times - Business
Is Labour’s economic outlook too gloomy?
This week, the FT asks readers whether Starmer’s pessimistic tone is unsettling UK businessYesterday -
Financial Times - Business
Are you paying too much for insurance?
Many take out the wrong kind of protection insurance, leaving them with overlapping — or inadequate — coverYesterday -
CBS News - Top stories
Iranian hackers accused of targeting Trump
Three Iranian hackers are being accused of targeting former President Donald Trump's presidential campaign. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more on the unsealed indictment.Yesterday - Donald Trump -
The Hill - Politics
Democrats call for DOJ intervention in Boar's Head listeria outbreak
Two Democrats are urging the Department of Justice to get involved with the fallout of a nationwide listeria outbreak linked to a Boar’s Head plant. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Rep. Rosa ...Yesterday -
Inc. - Business
Small Businesses Rush to Google's Defense in DOJ Ads Antitrust Case
The tech giant has found some unlikely friends in small-business owners who argue that Google's ad platform is critical for their enterprises.Yesterday - Google
More from The Hill
-
The Hill - Politics
Vance faces biggest moment of political career with debate
Ohio Sen. JD Vance (R) is headed into the biggest test of his political career so far with next week’s vice-presidential debate against Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D). The first-term senator, looked ...26 minutes ago -
The Hill - Politics
Watch live: JD Vance rallies voters in Pennsylvania
Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), former President Trump's running mate, is holding a rally in the battleground state of Pennsylvania Saturday evening. The event comes just days before Vance is set to debate ...41 minutes ago -
The Hill - Politics
US strengthens Lebanon travel advisory following death of Hezbollah leader
The State Department augmented its travel advisory in Lebanon after the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah from Israeli strikes, reupping calls for Americans to leave the country. The ...48 minutes ago -
The Hill - Politics
Rising egg prices linked to bird flu's impact on supply chain
The rising price of eggs in the last year has been linked to bird’s flu impact on the supply chain. Eggs’ price tag has gone up by 28.1 percent in the last 12 months, according to the Bureau of ...1 hour ago -
The Hill - Politics
Pompeo draws contrast between Zelensky visits with Trump, Biden
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a “very different” meeting with former President Trump compared to President Biden and his opponent in the 2024 ...1 hour ago - Joe Biden