New Jersey has removed approximately 6,600 noncitizens from its voter rolls who were registered to vote between June 2023 and June 2024, according to an announcement Tuesday from Governor Mikie Sherrill's office. The state is continuing efforts to identify and remove any other ineligible voters.
Sherrill, a Democrat, stated that a "serious software error" in New Jersey's Motor Vehicle System led to the improper registrations. Some individuals indicated they were not citizens, but the system registered them as eligible to vote anyway. The software issue was reportedly corrected in June 2024.
Preliminary findings indicate that fewer than 400 of the improperly registered individuals actually voted in elections. These individuals were dispersed throughout the state and largely lacked party affiliation, although some were registered with the Democratic or Republican parties.
Upon learning of the error last week, Sherrill ordered an immediate investigation and the removal of ineligible voters from the state's rolls. In a statement, she expressed dismay at the "reckless failures" and lack of transparency, vowing accountability and measures to prevent future occurrences.
This situation arises as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) alleges that over a quarter-million noncitizens may be registered to vote in four key states, including New Jersey. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated in letters to state officials that a review of voter registration records against federal immigration data revealed thousands of potential matches. The DHS estimates that approximately 35,152 noncitizens may be registered in New Jersey, with federal data indicating 19,497 registrants who match noncitizen records.
Mullin described these findings as a preliminary review and has requested state election officials to collaborate with DHS to verify identities before taking action. The DHS also identified potential matches in California, Nevada, and Pennsylvania.
Governor Sherrill also criticized former President Donald Trump, accusing him of undermining faith in elections through false claims about election results and past attempts to overturn election outcomes. This comes after Trump announced the DHS findings regarding noncitizen voter registrations.