Dozens of lawmakers are calling on the Justice Department for clarity on steps taken to prevent noncitizens from voting in federal elections.

The legislator's request of Attorney General Merrick Garland comes amid recent discoveries of noncitizens listed on voter rolls in several states, sparking concerns about the integrity of election processes, as Fox News reports.

Senators Urge DOJ Action on Voter Integrity

73 lawmakers sent a letter to Garland emphasizing their unease over growing reports indicating that noncitizens have not only registered to vote but have actively participated in federal elections. Despite the seriousness of these allegations and a prior, formal request for answers, the lawmakers have yet to receive a response from the attorney general or any representative from his department.

In the letter, the legislators pressed for details on the number of noncitizens prosecuted under laws against noncitizen voting, illustrating their concerns with hard data.

Pressing for Clear Information and Action

This episode highlights increasing tensions as immigration issues at the southern border evolve, intertwining with challenges to voting regulations.

To address these challenges, Republican lawmakers have been supporting the SAVE Act since August, aiming to enforce citizenship verification during voter registration. The SAVE Act, designed to ensure noncitizens are removed from voter registration lists, was associated with a broader spending bill to avert a government shutdown.

States Reveal Noncitizen Voter Incidents

Specific cases brought focus to this issue, with Virginia identifying over 6,300 noncitizens on its voter rolls in the past two years alone. In a similar vein, Texas has excised approximately 6,500 noncitizens from its voter lists recently, of whom nearly 2,000 had a record of voting.

The unearthed instances underline the lawmakers’ assertion of a "not negligible amount" of electoral participation by noncitizens.

Federal Legal Actions and Controversies

These concerns are further compounded by federal actions such as the Justice Department's indictment last month of an undocumented immigrant.

The individual, accused of using false identification to vote and fraudulently obtain citizenship documents, illustrates the Department's selective enforcement of election laws.

In contrast to these measures, the DOJ’s move to sue Alabama has introduced additional controversy to the situation.

Complexities and Legal Proceedings Explored

The lawsuit claims that Alabama's efforts to remove individuals with noncitizen status numbers from voter lists prior to an election violated federal law.

This legal action challenges the interpretation of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, complicating efforts to regulate voter rolls.

Lawmakers argue that such procedural missteps may undermine electorate trust, an element critical to democratic systems.

Implications for Future Election Integrity

With electoral trust at stake, lawmakers stress that understanding noncitizen voting patterns is essential for fortifying election security.

Such insights could guide both legislative and executive decisions to safeguard future electoral processes and outcomes.

As the 2024 elections approach, these debates are likely to intensify, prompting further bipartisan discussions on voter integrity.

Awaiting DOJ Response to Inquiries

The lawmakers’ inquiry awaits a response, but the absence of an answer to date has not diminished their resolve for transparency.

Moving forward, the dialogue between legislators and the Justice Department will be crucial in shaping voter policy and public confidence in elections.

The ongoing discussions stand as a testament to the democratic process, reflecting the complexities in maintaining electoral integrity in an evolving socio-political climate.