By Kanishka Singh
WASHINGTON (Multibagger) - U.S. Justice Department Sues Alabama Over Alleged Violation of Federal Law Ahead of Nov. 5 Elections
The U.S. Justice Department has taken legal action against Alabama over a program aimed at purging non-citizens from its election rolls, just weeks before the crucial Nov. 5 elections. Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen announced the initiative in mid-August, claiming that over 3,200 non-citizens were registered to vote in the state.
The lawsuit alleges that Alabama violated federal law by implementing the program too close to the elections, triggering concerns about eligible voters being mistakenly removed from the voter rolls. The Justice Department cited the Quiet Period Provision, which requires states to complete voter registration list updates at least 90 days before federal elections.
The review by the Justice Department revealed that both native-born and naturalized U.S. citizens received notices indicating that their voter records were inactive, potentially leading to their removal from Alabama's voter registration list. Secretary of State Allen defended the program, stating that it is his Constitutional duty to ensure that only American citizens participate in elections.
The upcoming Nov. 5 elections will feature key races for president, the U.S. Senate, and the U.S. House of Representatives. The highly anticipated contest between Republican former President Donald Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to be closely contested.
Analysis:
The U.S. Justice Department's lawsuit against Alabama highlights the contentious issue of voter eligibility and the importance of adhering to federal laws governing election procedures. The timing of the program to remove non-citizens from voter rolls has raised concerns about potential disenfranchisement of eligible voters. This legal battle could have significant implications for the integrity of the electoral process in Alabama and the broader implications for voter registration practices nationwide. It underscores the need for clear guidelines and adherence to federal regulations to safeguard the voting rights of all citizens.