The technology company IDEMIA has refuted claims that a software error on its part was solely responsible for the improper registration of noncitizens to vote in New Jersey. The company stated that the state's Department of State, Division of Elections, bears ultimate responsibility for verifying voter eligibility, pushing back against New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill's earlier assertions.
Sherrill announced that a software error in New Jersey's Motor Vehicle System led to approximately 6,600 individuals who indicated they were not U.S. citizens being added to the voter rolls between June 2023 and June 2024. Her office stated that fewer than 400 of these individuals, registered across various political parties, subsequently cast ballots.
IDEMIA, a French multinational company specializing in identity-related security services, has been a long-time partner with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. The company's role, according to its statement, is to transmit information through the motor vehicle system. However, IDEMIA maintains that all submitted information must still be validated and adjudicated by the Division of Elections to ensure eligibility.
The incident has drawn criticism from Republican officials who argue it highlights failures in election security. New Jersey Assembly Minority Leader John DiMaio stated that the situation underscores the need for voter ID laws, which he claims would have helped correct such registration failures at the ballot box. The Republican National Committee also seized on the news, contrasting Sherrill's statements with her previous criticisms of election integrity concerns raised by former President Donald Trump.
The Trump administration also commented, with White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson stating that the incident proves noncitizens can and do register to vote, and underscores the importance of the SAVE America Act.
Governor Sherrill's office indicated that they would let her previous remarks, expressing disgust at the failures of the outgoing vendor and the previous administration, speak for themselves. The state and IDEMIA will reportedly no longer be working together following this incident. The Justice Department has reportedly launched an investigation into the matter.