Key facts
- The Justice Department is demanding data from New Jersey on non-U.S. citizens mistakenly registered to vote.
- The state identified approximately 6,600 noncitizens who were added to voter rolls between 2023 and 2024.
- The DOJ also seeks information on the 400 individuals who reportedly cast ballots.
- This request is part of the Trump administration's broader efforts to examine election security.
- New Jersey argues the DOJ lacks legal authority for its data request and has asked a judge to dismiss the case.
The Justice Department, under the Trump administration, is demanding voter data from New Jersey concerning approximately 6,600 non-U.S. citizens who were inadvertently registered to vote due to a software glitch. The department, led by Harmeet Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division, also seeks details on the 400 individuals who reportedly cast ballots.
This action is part of a wider initiative by the administration to scrutinize election security and pressure states to provide non-public voter information. President Trump has frequently voiced concerns about potential election integrity issues, particularly regarding noncitizen voting. The DOJ has previously threatened criminal prosecution against state officials who knowingly permit noncitizens on voter lists or allow them to vote.
Governor Mikie Sherrill disclosed the registration error, stating it stemmed from a software glitch and that there was no evidence it impacted election outcomes. Democrats and election experts caution that such broad efforts to remove noncitizens from voter rolls could inadvertently disenfranchise eligible voters, including new U.S. citizens. New Jersey is contesting the DOJ's request, arguing the department lacks legal authority and has asked a judge to dismiss the case. The DOJ has reportedly lost all 16 decided cases in its pursuit of similar voter data from other states.