Court records and official announcements from the Department of Justice

Virginia Governor Youngkin Criticizes DOJ's 'Purely Political' Lawsuit on 18-Year-Old Voter Roll Law

Oct 20, 2024, 02:15 PM

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has criticized the Department of Justice (DOJ) for its timing in filing a lawsuit against Virginia's voter roll maintenance law. Youngkin argues that the law, which has been in effect for 18 years and was signed by then-governor Tim Kaine with the DOJ's approval, is aimed at ensuring that noncitizens are not included in the voter rolls. He contends that the lawsuit is 'purely political,' especially as Virginia faces a tight political climate. The DOJ had previously approved the law, but is now seeking to block it, which Youngkin and his supporters view as an inconsistent and partisan move. Youngkin also defended the removal of names from the rolls, referencing DOJ precedence and Critical Race Theory, and emphasized, 'This is not a purge.'