New Jersey system error improperly registered 6,600 noncitizens to vote

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill announced Tuesday that a system error at the Motor Vehicle Commission improperly registered about 6,600 noncitizens to vote. The error occurred during 2023 and 2024 when individuals indicated they were noncitizens while obtaining state driver's licenses and other identification.

Governor Sherrill, who took office this year, attributed the issue to a software error within the Motor Vehicle Commission. She assured the public that a preliminary analysis indicates fewer than 400 of the improperly registered individuals actually cast ballots during the specified period. This revelation comes amid ongoing Republican assertions about widespread noncitizen voting, despite such instances being rare and punishable by felony charges.

In response to the error, Governor Sherrill has taken decisive action. She has ordered the removal of all erroneously added voter registrations from the 2023-24 period. Furthermore, she is replacing the vendor responsible for the system and has initiated a formal investigation into how the error occurred. Sherrill expressed strong disapproval, stating, "I am appalled by the reckless failures that allowed this to happen and the lack of transparency shown by those in charge at the time."

New Jersey is among several states that permit noncitizens to hold driver's licenses and other state-issued identification cards. The previous governor at the time of the error was Phil Murphy, also a Democrat. Efforts were made to contact Murphy or his representatives for comment regarding the incident.

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I am appalled by the reckless failures that allowed this to happen and the lack of transparency shown by those in charge at the time.