Recent investigations have revealed that a significant number of noncitizens, including undocumented immigrants, were potentially registered to vote in New Jersey elections, with some even casting ballots in past elections. The New Jersey Republican Party, along with the Republican National Committee (RNC), conducted a thorough review of voter registration records across all 21 counties in the state.
Documents obtained through public records requests indicate that many noncitizens who had pursued citizenship later requested their removal from the voter rolls. These individuals often discovered their voter registration status inadvertently, with many reporting that they were registered through the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Records suggest that a substantial number of these noncitizens were affiliated with the Democratic Party.
Under both federal and state law, noncitizens are prohibited from voting. Concerns have emerged that being on the voter rolls could compromise their chances of citizenship. Letters from election officials have confirmed instances where noncitizens approached local offices to ensure their removal from the voting rolls.
In one such letter from the Atlantic County Superintendent of Elections, Maureen Bugdon, she confirmed that a noncitizen came forward to rectify her registration status, indicating a lack of understanding regarding her registration through the DMV.
While many of the records indicated that the individuals had not participated in elections, some had indeed voted. For example, documentation reveals that one noncitizen who was removed from the voter rolls in 2015 had cast ballots during multiple elections, including in 2000, 2001, and the 2008 general election. Another individual reportedly participated in a primary in 2005 and a municipal election in 2000.
Data Collection and Concerns
The RNC Chairman Joe Gruters has stated that the party has identified hundreds of cases of noncitizen registrants in New Jersey. Furthermore, he expressed concerns that the issue may extend beyond those who have voluntarily come forward. Gruters also indicated that the RNC has sought voter list maintenance information from 48 states, but has faced challenges in obtaining this data from New Jersey and other Democratic-controlled states.
Gruters emphasized the significance of these findings, noting that the ongoing records requests are unveiling unexpected revelations. He remarked, “You want a democracy that’s secure and elections that are free and safe, which people can depend upon.” The RNC continues to focus on electoral integrity as part of its ongoing efforts leading up to the 2024 elections.
Stance on Mail Ballots
In addition to addressing noncitizen voting, Gruters mentioned a pending Supreme Court case, Watson vs. RNC. This case challenges laws that allow mail ballots to be counted even if they are cast after Election Day. Gruters believes that a favorable ruling could serve as a significant victory for election integrity efforts, asserting that lengthy vote counting periods can create opportunities for misconduct.
Efforts are being made to ensure that election day is respected as an actual day for casting votes. Gruters stated, “We’re fighting hard to put an end to this, and this could be our biggest win ever from an election integrity standpoint by stopping this and making sure that election day means exactly what it says, election day.”
Reactions and Future Steps
As these revelations continue to unfold, responses from state officials have been scarce. The office of Democratic New Jersey Governor Mickie Sherrill did not provide a comment regarding the issue. Additionally, officials from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission and Atlantic County have echoed that cases of noncitizens on voter rolls are uncommon. A spokesman for the MVC noted that rigorous protocols are in place to ensure that only eligible individuals are registered to vote.
As this situation develops, the implications for voter integrity and election processes in New Jersey and beyond remain areas of keen interest and scrutiny.