In a pointed exchange during CNN’s The Lead, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin defended his state’s recent actions to remove over 6,300 noncitizens from its voter rolls. Speaking with host Jake Tapper, Youngkin argued that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) lawsuit, which challenges the removals, was both politically motivated and legally unsound.
Youngkin explained the process behind the removals, stating that noncitizens who either identified themselves as such or failed to declare citizenship during registration were flagged. He emphasized that Virginia law, enacted in 2006 under former Democratic Governor Tim Kaine, requires the removal of these individuals from voter rolls. He underscored that the process involves multiple opportunities for individuals to correct their status before removal.
“Do you think that noncitizens, when they’ve self-identified as a noncitizen, should stay on the voter roll and potentially vote in a presidential election?” Youngkin asked. He further noted, “They fully understand this. They understand the process starts with a person self-identifying as a noncitizen… They are given not just one, but up to three opportunities to cure it.”
We shouldn’t allow individuals who have self-identified as noncitizens to remain on the voter rolls. It’s not just common sense, it’s Virginia law. pic.twitter.com/yNEZcRG6hl
— Glenn Youngkin (@GlennYoungkin) October 14, 2024
The DOJ lawsuit, filed just 25 days before the upcoming presidential election, alleges that Virginia’s actions could disenfranchise eligible voters. However, Youngkin argued that the suit disrupts a long-standing legal process. He reiterated that the removal of noncitizens has been conducted in accordance with both the federal and state constitutions since 2006.
Youngkin also voiced his frustration at the timing of the lawsuit, stating, “It’s stunning that they filed this suit 25 days before a presidential election, when this has been going on in accordance with our Constitution and state law since 2006.”
Despite the lawsuit, Youngkin expressed confidence in the state’s position, pledging to defend the law with the full support of Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares. He assured voters that Virginia’s elections would remain secure and fair, stating, “I will not stand idly by as this politically motivated action tries to interfere in our elections.”
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