New Jersey says 6,600 noncitizens were registered

·

·

1–2 minutes

Summary

New Jersey said a software error led to 6,600 noncitizens being registered to vote, and fewer than 400 were found to have voted.

Why this matters

The case adds detail to an ongoing national dispute over voter registration accuracy and election administration. It also prompted state and federal reviews, with New Jersey moving to remove ineligible registrations.

About 6,600 people in New Jersey who said they were not U.S. citizens were incorrectly registered to vote because of a software error during the previous gubernatorial administration, Gov. Mikie Sherrill said Tuesday.

Sherrill said the error affected people who answered “no” when asked on a keypad whether they were U.S. citizens while applying for driver’s licenses or identification cards between June 2023 and June 2024. She said the registrations occurred nearly three years before she took office this year.

Sherrill said those voters were not tied to one party and were registered as Democrats, Republicans, or unaffiliated voters. At a Tuesday press conference, she said the state had “no evidence at this time that any elections were swayed.”

Sherrill said she ordered an independent investigation, the removal from voter rolls of anyone who should not have been registered, and steps to replace the vendor running the faulty system. She also said the state would protect the identities of noncitizens who were inadvertently registered so their immigration status is not jeopardized.

The disclosure came less than a week after Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin sent letters to New Jersey and three other states alleging they might have tens of thousands of noncitizens registered to vote. Sherrill said New Jersey asked for evidence supporting the federal claim that as many as 35,152 noncitizens could be registered in the state, but had not received a response.

IDEMIA, the company that runs the motor vehicle system cited by the governor, said its role is to transmit information through the state system and that the New Jersey Division of Elections is responsible for verifying voter eligibility.

The U.S. Department of Justice said Tuesday it was investigating the matter. In a letter posted on social media, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon asked New Jersey to provide within five business days personal information on the registered noncitizens the state identified and details on the roughly 400 who voted.

The White House said Sherrill’s announcement supported President Donald Trump’s push for the SAVE America Act, a proposal that would significantly change election administration.

  • FIFA to investigate Argentina-Spain final clash

    Four Argentina players, including substitute Paredes, were booked during the match, along with head coach Lionel Scaloni.

    Full story +

  • Zelensky removes army chief after protest backlash

    The change followed Zelensky’s firing last week of Fedorov, 35, who had built a reputation for promoting technology and new recruitment approaches, but had clashed with members of Ukraine’s defense establishment, including Syrskyi.

    Full story +

  • U.S. says latest Iran strikes ended after 11th night

    On Monday, President Donald Trump said he would retaliate against Iran after a deadly weekend for U.S. troops.

    Full story +

  • France backs François-Noël Buffet for rights post

    While the Defender of Rights has no judicial or legislative power, the office can influence court proceedings and disputes with public authorities. 

    Full story +

  • Iran warns Bulgaria over possible U.S. airbase use

    Bulgaria’s government said it would seek parliamentary approval to station U.S. tanker aircraft at Bezmer military facility.

    Full story +

  • Houthis Threaten Bab el-Mandeb, Raising Trade Risks

    They said they forced six ships to reroute Tuesday, though there was no independent confirmation.

    Full story +

  • N.C. attorney general opposes Duke rate proposal

    Under the proposal, residential rates would rise 5.9% in the first year and 3.6% in the second, for cumulative growth of 9.5%, according to Duke spokesperson Bill Norton.

    Full story +

  • Jay Feely wins GOP primary in Arizona House race

    Feely is seeking to replace retiring Republican Rep. David Schweikert, who is running for Arizona governor, in the metro Phoenix-based district.

    Full story +

  • ,

    Uninsured ER visits at Virginia hospitals rose 8%

    A recent state report found 13 rural hospitals in Virginia at risk of closure as coverage changes and federal policy shifts affect hospital finances.

    Full story +

  • New Jersey says 6,600 noncitizens were registered

    The state’s preliminary analysis found that fewer than 400 of those erroneously registered had voted.

    Full story +