RNC Sues New Jersey Officials Over Alleged Withheld Voter Roll Records

The Republican National Committee (RNC) and state GOP leaders have filed a lawsuit against New Jersey's top election official and authorities in five counties. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday, alleges that officials have failed to provide federally mandated voter roll maintenance records.

The RNC claims that despite producing some documents, key records required by federal law to be public remain withheld by the state's chief election official and county authorities in Bergen, Hudson, Middlesex, Somerset, and Union counties. This legal action follows the RNC's earlier discovery of hundreds of noncitizens registered on New Jersey's voter rolls, as first reported in June. At that time, reports indicated that some individuals seeking naturalization had self-attested to being noncitizens while having voted in past elections. Additionally, investigations into jury duty evasion revealed instances where New Jersey residents claimed to lack U.S. citizenship but were found to be registered voters.

In July, the RNC had previously sued the New Jersey secretary of state concerning allegations of nonresidents, and in some cases noncitizens, being permitted to vote. While Democratic Governor Mikie Sherrill acknowledged the illegal registrations, Republicans argue that state Democrats have not provided sufficient accountability or explanation for how these individuals were added to the rolls.

The RNC stated the lawsuit aims to ensure transparency and protect the integrity of the ballot box. The withheld records are also a subject of interest for congressional investigators in Washington, who are reportedly seeking information regarding the same voter registration issues.

This lawsuit is part of a broader national effort by the RNC's election integrity unit, which has sent similar requests for voter roll maintenance records to 48 states in preparation for the midterm elections. This initiative seeks to ensure that voting registries across the country are being properly maintained. The legal challenge also builds upon previous RNC legal actions in New Jersey related to election procedures.

Plaintiffs in the current lawsuit include Rep. Tom Kean Jr., R-N.J., and New Jersey Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco, who contend that New Jerseyans deserve transparency following the governor's acknowledgment of over 6,600 noncitizens being registered to vote. They assert that fair elections necessitate complete public accountability and that election officials must release the records to provide voters with the full truth.