Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin recently found himself at the center of a heated political debate after the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a federal lawsuit against him. The controversy stems from his decision to remove thousands of noncitizens from Virginia’s voter rolls, a move that critics claim disenfranchised legitimate voters. However, Youngkin is standing firm in his defense of the legality and necessity of his actions, which he discussed during a recent interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper
During his appearance on State of the Union, Youngkin explained that his executive order to purge noncitizens from voter rolls was not only justified but mandated by a law that’s been in place since 2006. The law, which was signed by former Democratic Governor Tim Kaine, requires Virginia’s Department of Motor Vehicles (RMV) data to be used to identify individuals who have self-identified as noncitizens. If these individuals appear on voter rolls, they are notified and given 14 days to either affirm their citizenship or be removed from the rolls.
In the interview, Tapper asked Youngkin to address the lawsuit and concerns that his actions were disenfranchising legitimate voters. The governor responded confidently, saying, “Why is it that anyone can argue that a process that removes noncitizens from our voter rolls is anything other than common sense and constitutional?”
Tapper, uncharacteristically quiet during Youngkin’s detailed explanation, did not have much to say in return, allowing the governor to dominate the conversation. Youngkin made his case clear: enforcing existing laws, particularly those focused on election integrity, should not be viewed as controversial.
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Despite Youngkin’s confidence in the legality of his actions, the DOJ’s lawsuit claims that his voter roll purge violates the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). The NVRA prohibits changes to voter rolls within 90 days of an election, a rule designed to give voters ample time to appeal any removals before Election Day. With Virginia’s election just weeks away, the DOJ argues that the governor’s actions could prevent eligible voters from casting their ballots.
In addition to Virginia, the DOJ has filed a similar lawsuit against Alabama over its own efforts to purge voters from the rolls, signaling that the issue is not isolated to one state. David Becker, executive director of the Center for Election Innovation and Research, emphasized the rarity of such legal actions so close to an election, calling the situation “unprecedented.”
Youngkin, however, remains steadfast in his belief that the purge was necessary to uphold the integrity of Virginia’s elections. He pointed out that his actions were in line with both state and federal laws, which mandate that noncitizens should not be permitted to vote. “The law is very clear,” he said. “This is about ensuring that only citizens are voting in our elections. It’s not about disenfranchisement—it’s about protecting the sanctity of our democracy.”
Former President Donald Trump quickly voiced his support for Youngkin’s actions, taking to his social media platform Truth Social to denounce the DOJ’s lawsuit as an attempt by the Biden administration to interfere in Virginia’s elections.
“One of the Greatest Examples of DOJ Weaponization is the fact that they are suing Virginia to put ALL of the Illegal Voters, which were fully exposed and removed by the important work of Governor Glenn Youngkin, back on the Voter Rolls. Obviously, this was done so that they can CHEAT on the Election,” Trump wrote.
The lawsuit has also reignited debates among Republicans about the prevalence of voter fraud and the importance of maintaining accurate voter rolls. While mainstream media outlets often downplay concerns about voter fraud, many on the right see these voter purges as a crucial part of ensuring fair and transparent elections. Youngkin’s supporters argue that the removal of noncitizens from voter rolls is a necessary safeguard against potential fraud, particularly in swing states where every vote counts.
The issue of noncitizen voting has become a flashpoint in Virginia and other states, as both sides of the political spectrum debate what constitutes voter suppression versus election security. Critics of Youngkin’s actions point out that voter purges have a history of disproportionately affecting minority voters, many of whom might be caught in bureaucratic errors. These critics believe that more safeguards should be in place to ensure that eligible voters are not wrongfully removed from the rolls.
Youngkin, however, remains undeterred by these criticisms. He continues to assert that his executive order was a necessary step to ensure that Virginia’s elections are free from interference by noncitizens. He also reiterated that voters who are mistakenly flagged as noncitizens have ample time to correct the record and reinstate their voting rights.
As the election draws closer, the outcome of the DOJ’s lawsuit against Youngkin could have significant implications for voter roll purges across the country. With similar lawsuits already filed in other states like Alabama, the legal battles over voter registration and purges are likely to intensify as both parties prepare for the 2024 presidential election.
Governor Glenn Youngkin’s decision to remove noncitizens from Virginia’s voter rolls has sparked a fierce debate about election integrity, voter suppression, and the role of federal oversight in state elections. While critics argue that his actions could disenfranchise eligible voters, Youngkin and his supporters maintain that purging noncitizens is a necessary step to protect the fairness of elections. With the DOJ’s lawsuit looming and Election Day approaching, this controversy is far from over.
