The Justice Department sent letters to all 50 states and the District of Columbia, warning election officials that they could face criminal prosecution over noncitizen voting. The letters, signed by Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, give states five days to explain how they will comply with federal voter eligibility laws and maintain “clean voter lists.”
Background
Noncitizen voting in federal elections is extremely rare. However, the Justice Department’s move is part of its campaign to assert more federal control over state elections. Some states have complied with the administration’s demands to hand over voter roll data, while others have resisted, leading to lawsuits.
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Nevada Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar, and Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson are among those who received the letters. Henderson wrote on social media that the threats constitute “truly bizarre behavior.” The letters specify that any election officer who knowingly retains noncitizens on a statewide voting registration list or facilitates noncitizens’ receiving and casting ballots could be subject to criminal liability.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
