The Biden administration’s Department of Justice sparks controversy by challenging state election integrity laws, claiming potential infringement on voting rights.
At a Glance
- DOJ sues states and towns over election integrity measures ahead of the presidential election
- Lawsuits target Virginia, Alabama, and Wisconsin towns on issues like non-citizen voter removal and paper ballot use
- Federal judges have ruled against some state efforts, citing violations of federal voting laws
- Critics argue DOJ actions misinterpret the law and undermine election integrity efforts
- Debate intensifies over balance between state initiatives and federal mandates in electoral regulation
DOJ Challenges State Election Laws
The Biden administration’s Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched a series of legal challenges against state election integrity laws, igniting a fierce debate over voting rights and the balance of power between state and federal authorities. The DOJ has filed lawsuits against Virginia, Alabama, and rural Wisconsin towns, targeting measures such as the removal of non-citizens from voter rolls and the exclusive use of paper ballots.
In Virginia, a federal judge ordered the state to reinstate over 1,500 individuals who self-identified as non-citizens back onto voter rolls, citing a violation of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). This decision came just days before a crucial election, sparking outrage among state officials and election integrity advocates.
https://twitter.com/thejusticedept?lang=en
State Officials Push Back
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin vehemently opposed the federal ruling, emphasizing the state’s commitment to maintaining accurate voter rolls. In a statement, Youngkin declared:
“Let’s be clear about what just happened: only eleven days before a Presidential election, a federal judge ordered Virginia to reinstate over 1,500 individuals – who self-identified themselves as noncitizens – back onto the voter rolls. Almost all these individuals had previously presented immigration documents confirming their noncitizen status, a fact recently verified by federal authorities.” – Source
The governor plans to appeal the decision, arguing that it undermines the state’s election integrity efforts. Similar legal battles have unfolded in Alabama, where a federal judge ruled against the state’s attempt to remove non-citizens from voter rolls.
Wisconsin Towns Face DOJ Pressure
The DOJ’s legal campaign has also extended to rural Wisconsin, where two towns face lawsuits over their exclusive use of paper ballots. The federal government argues that this practice violates the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) by failing to provide accessible voting machines for voters with disabilities. While the town of Lawrence settled with the DOJ, Thornapple is appealing a court decision against its paper ballot policy.
“The federal judge is one of the Biden appointees, so we are not surprised by the ruling. It is erroneous and must be appealed.” – Source
Critics of the DOJ’s actions argue that the department is misinterpreting federal law and targeting jurisdictions that are simply trying to ensure the integrity of their elections. They contend that these legal challenges could undermine public trust in the electoral process and infringe on states’ rights to manage their own elections.
Executive Order Raises Concerns
Adding to the controversy is President Biden’s 2021 Executive Order 14019, which directs federal agencies to promote voter registration and participation. Critics argue that this order exceeds the executive branch’s constitutional authority and could lead to unlawful interference in state election processes.
“White House has no authority to register West Virginia voters” – Source
The order’s provisions, which include mandating federal employees to participate in early voting and serve as poll workers, have raised concerns about potential violations of federal laws and the possibility of intimidating or coercing the public interacting with federal agencies.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the clash between federal intervention and state-led election integrity efforts continues to intensify. With both sides claiming to protect voting rights and electoral integrity, the outcome of these legal battles could have far-reaching implications for the future of America’s democratic process.
Sources:
- Biden DOJ fights election integrity efforts with lawsuits across the country ahead of the election
- Biden Executive Order 14019: Unlawful Interference in State Election Administration
- Federal judge issues order to pause, reverse Virginia voter purge