A significant software error within New Jersey's Motor Vehicle System (MVC) led to the erroneous registration of approximately 6,600 noncitizens to vote between June 2023 and June 2024. Governor Mikie Sherrill announced the issue, stating that preliminary analysis indicates up to 400 of these individuals cast ballots in state elections. The error occurred under the previous administration of former Democratic Governor Phil Murphy.
Republicans have voiced strong opposition to the state's automatic voter registration process through the MVC, calling for an immediate suspension of the system until a comprehensive investigation is completed. State Sen. Declan O'Scanlon criticized the reassurances previously given about the system's integrity, stating that the reality is "worse than anyone expected." He argued for a review of all registrations processed through the MVC over the past decade.
Governor Sherrill attributed the error to the vendor, IDEMIA, and the MVC for taking a year to rectify the problem, while also criticizing the prior administration for not bringing the issue to light sooner. IDEMIA, however, countered that its role is to transmit information and that the New Jersey Department of State's Division of Elections is ultimately responsible for verifying voter eligibility.
The incident has fueled calls for the passage of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, a Republican-backed proposal aimed at preventing noncitizens from voting. Vice President JD Vance urged New Jersey's senators to support the act.
In contrast, U.S. Sen. Andy Kim acknowledged the need for correction but cautioned against framing the incident as a widespread systemic problem, stating that the issue should be viewed in its proper context. The Republican National Committee criticized Democrats for what they described as a refusal to acknowledge election integrity failures highlighted by the situation.
New Jersey Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio and State Sen. Anthony Bucco pointed to the state's 2020 decision to allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses as a contributing factor, arguing that the problem extends beyond the 6,600 individuals identified. Sen. Kristin Corrado stated she had previously warned the Murphy administration about voter registration issues. Assemblyman Greg McGuckin suggested that the approximately 400 illegal votes cast could negate votes from U.S. citizens and asserted that the problem is larger than acknowledged by Democrats.