DOJ warns state officials of 'potential criminal penalties' over noncitizen voting
Summary
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) sent letters to election officials in several states warning about possible criminal penalties if they do not follow federal laws to stop noncitizens from voting. The letters asked states to explain how they will ensure only eligible U.S. citizens vote in federal elections.Key Facts
- The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division sent these warning letters to at least six states, including Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado.
- The letters remind states about federal laws requiring proper election record-keeping and preventing noncitizen voting.
- Noncitizen voting is illegal and very rare, with one study showing it made up 0.0001% of votes in 2016 in 42 areas.
- The letters request a response within five days explaining how states will comply with federal election laws.
- Nevada’s Secretary of State said safeguards are already in place to stop ineligible voters from casting ballots.
- The warning letters come as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to increase federal oversight of elections before the 2026 midterms.
- An election official described the tone of the warning as “threatening.”
- The DOJ has the authority to seek court orders or criminally prosecute election law violations.
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