House Republicans have initiated an investigation into New Jersey’s government after admission from Governor Mikie Sherrill that over 6,000 noncitizens were mistakenly added to the state’s voter rolls in 2023 and 2024. With election integrity a major concern ahead of the upcoming midterms, the GOP is scrutinizing New Jersey Democrats.
Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan and Committee on House Administration Chairman Bryan Steil have written to New Jersey Lt. Governor Dale Caldwell. They are seeking information on the state’s compliance with federal election laws.
Error Admitted by Governor Sherrill
During a press conference on July 21, 2026, Governor Sherrill revealed that about 6,600 noncitizens were inadvertently registered to vote from June 2023 to June 2024. This issue arose when the state’s Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) transferred noncitizens’ details, accurately marked as such, to the Department of State’s Division of Elections. Approximately 400 of these noncitizens voted during that period.
Governor Sherrill attributed this mistake to a software flaw in New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle system.
Response and Concerns
GOP expressed serious concerns in a letter, questioning New Jersey’s failure to adhere to applicable federal voting laws. There are doubts about how many noncitizens registered beyond the mentioned two years due to New Jersey’s motor voter laws facilitating easy registration during DMV visits.
The incident challenges Democrats’ claims about noncitizens not voting in U.S. elections. Although there is no indication that such votes have influenced federal elections, the revelation supports Republican efforts to enforce stricter federal standards at the ballot.
Vendor’s Refutation
IDEMIA, the software vendor accused of causing the registration error, has denied Governor Sherrill’s claims. According to IDEMIA, the issue was resolved only after MVC adjusted settings in June 2024. However, noncitizens remain on the rolls, and the matter was not disclosed to the public until recently.
Compliance and Investigation
Republicans are probing New Jersey’s adherence to federal laws such as the Help America Vote Act of 2002, the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, and the Civil Rights Act of 1960. These acts regulate voter database maintenance, registration protocols, and require states to keep accurate voter records.
Additionally, they seek documents related to New Jersey’s methods of verifying voter eligibility and any evidence of reluctance to cooperate with the Department of Homeland Security in verifying voter citizenship status.
Next Steps
The letter demanding information by August 17 is endorsed by Rep. Jeff Van Drew and Rep. Laurel Lee, who chair relevant subcommittees. Fox News Digital has reached out to Governor Sherrill’s office for comments.
Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter covering the House of Representatives for Fox News Digital.
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