Richmond, Oct 12 (The Real Republic) – The United States Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Virginia, alleging that the state is improperly removing voters from registration rolls too close to the presidential election on November 5. This legal action comes in response to an executive order issued by Virginia’s Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin in August.
The executive order initiated the removal of individuals from voter registration rolls if officials could not verify their citizenship through the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. However, the Justice Department argues that this order violates a 90-day “quiet period” mandated by The National Voter Registration Act, which requires systematic removals to occur at least three months prior to a federal election.
🚨 BREAKING: In perhaps a sign that Democrats view Virginia as "in play" for Trump, Biden-Harris DOJ files lawsuit against Gov. Glenn Youngkin's administration for purging ILLEGAL ALIENS from the voter rolls. pic.twitter.com/ECPKODphCr
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 11, 2024
Assistant US Attorney General Kristen Clarke stated that Congress enacted the quiet period to prevent last-minute removals that could “disenfranchise” qualified voters. “The right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy,” Clarke emphasized, indicating the department’s commitment to protecting voter rights.
Youngkin, who issued his order on August 7, has defended the actions as lawful and necessary. He described the lawsuit as a politically motivated attempt to undermine the legitimacy of elections in Virginia. “Virginians – and Americans – will see this for exactly what it is,” he said, pledging that state authorities would use all available resources to defend the measures.
🚨RIGHTFUL PRESIDENT TRUMP JUST REACTED TO WINNING VIRGINIA IN A NEW POLL DURING HIS NC RALLY!
— Bo Loudon (@BoLoudon) September 21, 2024
If Trump wins VA, he wins everything.
VA Gov. Youngkin signed an EO ENDING illegal alien voting.
We know the FAKE NEWS won't report this.
Share to make this go viral. pic.twitter.com/x9HK9xZXc6
The lawsuit arrives amid heightened scrutiny of election integrity and voter registration processes across the country. Republicans, including allies of former President Donald Trump, have raised concerns about potential voter fraud and noncitizen voting.
While most voter administration is governed by state officials, federal law sets broad parameters. As several states, including Texas and Alabama, implement stricter voter registration measures, critics argue these actions could disenfranchise eligible voters.
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