Virginia Asks Supreme Court to Allow Purge of 1,600 Alleged Noncitizens from Voter Rolls

Oct 28, 2024, 03:21 PM

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit has denied Virginia's request to revive its voter purge program aimed at removing approximately 1,600 individuals, whom the state believes are noncitizens, from the voter rolls ahead of the November general election. The appeals court upheld a federal district court's injunction blocking the program, citing federal laws that protect voters from last-minute changes to their registration status before an election. Virginia has until Wednesday to reinstate these voters unless the U.S. Supreme Court intervenes. Attorney General Jason Miyares announced that Virginia filed an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court, stating, "Americans citizens—and no one else—should determine American elections." Governor Glenn Youngkin echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that it's commonsense that noncitizens shouldn't be on voter rolls. The Biden-Harris Department of Justice opposes Virginia's efforts. Twenty-six Republican attorneys general have joined Virginia's petition to the Supreme Court, filing an amicus brief in support. The Supreme Court has requested a response by Tuesday at 3 p.m., and a decision is expected soon.