Justice Department Issues Warning to States Regarding Voter Purges – Live Updates from The Guardian US

The Department of Justice (DoJ) has issued a warning to states over voter purges, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that eligible voters are not improperly removed from voter rolls. The warning comes as concerns grow over efforts to purge voter lists in several states, potentially disenfranchising eligible voters.

The DoJ’s warning follows recent reports of voter purges in states such as Georgia and Texas, where thousands of voters have been removed from the rolls. Critics argue that these purges disproportionately affect minority and low-income voters, who may be less likely to re-register if they are erroneously removed.

The DoJ’s Civil Rights Division has stated that it will be closely monitoring state voter purge practices to ensure compliance with federal voting rights laws. The division has also urged states to take steps to prevent improper purges and to notify voters before removing them from the rolls.

In response to the warning, voting rights advocates have called for greater transparency and oversight of voter purge practices. They argue that states must do more to ensure that eligible voters are not unfairly disenfranchised.

As the 2022 midterm elections approach, the issue of voter purges is likely to remain a contentious topic. With the DoJ now actively monitoring state practices, the hope is that steps will be taken to protect the voting rights of all eligible citizens.