The Republican National Committee (RNC) and state GOP leaders filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against New Jersey’s top election official and authorities in five counties. The lawsuit alleges the failure to produce federally mandated voter roll maintenance records. The aim is to ensure transparency for the American public.
Noncitizens on Voter Rolls
RNC Chairman Joe Gruters stated, “The RNC exposed noncitizens on New Jersey’s voter rolls.” He claimed election officials are withholding records necessary for voters to understand the situation. The RNC demands transparency and will not stand for obfuscation.
Withholding of Documents
Although some documents have been provided, the lawsuit claims New Jersey’s chief election official and counties Bergen, Hudson, Middlesex, Somerset, and Union have not released key records. These records are legally required to be public.
Initial Discovery
The legal action comes after the RNC’s initial discovery of hundreds of noncitizens on voter registries, reported by Fox News Digital in June. Migrants who sought naturalization self-attested as noncitizens but had voted previously.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the New Jersey Secretary of State and the five counties named in the suit for comments.
Jury Duty Evasion Investigations
Investigations into jury duty evasion revealed that some residents who claimed lack of U.S. citizenship were registered voters. This led to a previous lawsuit by the RNC in July against the New Jersey secretary of state over nonresidents voting in elections.
Governor’s Acknowledgment
Democratic Governor Mikie Sherrill acknowledged the illegal voter registrations. Republicans accuse state Democrats of avoiding accountability and failing to explain how the noncitizens were registered.
To uncover registration and removal processes, the RNC sent legal notices demanding voter roll maintenance documents.
Lawsuit Aims for Transparency
The RNC asserts that the lawsuit seeks transparency and protection of the ballot box. Withheld records are of interest to congressional investigators in Washington, who are also seeking answers on voter registration failures.
Broader Campaign
This lawsuit is part of a nationwide campaign by the RNC’s election integrity unit before the midterm elections. The committee has requested voter roll maintenance records from 48 states to ensure proper registry maintenance.
Previous Actions
The RNC has previously taken legal action in New Jersey, challenging election procedures, including another lawsuit against the Secretary of State over alleged unlawful voting practices.
Statements from New Jersey Leaders
Joining the RNC and the New Jersey Republican Party in the lawsuit are Rep. Tom Kean Jr. and New Jersey Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco. Kean Jr. emphasized the necessity of transparency after Gov. Sherrill’s admission that over 6,600 noncitizens were registered. He demands all election officials release the records for voter transparency.
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