Key facts
- The Trump administration is seeking data on noncitizens registered to vote in New Jersey.
- An error in New Jersey's automatic voter registration system led to approximately 6,600 noncitizens being registered.
- Fewer than 400 of these noncitizens cast a ballot.
- A DOJ official stated that noncitizens voting in federal elections could face criminal prosecution and deportation.
- New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill believes noncitizens who voted inadvertently should not face criminal charges.
The Department of Justice is investigating potential noncitizen voting in federal elections, with a DOJ official suggesting that individuals who vote unlawfully could face criminal prosecution and deportation. This follows a request by the Trump administration for data on approximately 6,600 noncitizens who were erroneously registered to vote in New Jersey due to a software error. Governor Mikie Sherrill confirmed the error, stating fewer than 400 of these individuals cast ballots, and argued they should not face criminal charges as they were added to the rolls without their knowledge. However, the DOJ reaffirmed its commitment to prosecuting such cases, while Sherrill's team suggested they would protect New Jerseyans' personal information and accused the Trump administration of weaponizing the Justice Department for political purposes.