GOP Governor Sounds Off On The DOJ
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has voiced strong opposition to a recent lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) concerning the state’s management of voter rolls. On “Fox News Sunday,” he clarified his stance, asserting that the actions taken in Virginia do not constitute a “purge” of voters.
“This process is in full compliance with the law,” Youngkin explained to host Shannon Bream. He pointed out that the voter roll removals are rooted in legislation enacted in 2006 under then-Democrat Governor Tim Kaine, emphasizing that Virginia employs a careful, individualized approach to verify the citizenship of registered voters. According to Youngkin, if individuals fail to confirm their citizenship status, they may be removed from the voter rolls to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
The DOJ’s lawsuit claims that Virginia’s recent actions infringe upon the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 by challenging voter eligibility too close to the upcoming election. Kristen Clarke, assistant attorney general in the Civil Rights Division, remarked that officials nationwide must adhere to the law’s strict guidelines, particularly regarding list maintenance within 90 days of an election.
In August, Governor Youngkin issued an executive order to facilitate daily updates to the state’s voter list. This includes comparing individuals identified as non-citizens by the Department of Motor Vehicles against the current voter registry. Local registrars are then responsible for notifying those whose registrations are in question, allowing them a 14-day window to confirm their citizenship.
Despite these measures, the DOJ contends that some Virginians have been unfairly removed from the voter rolls. Youngkin criticized this late intervention, stating, “Here we are, just 25 days before the election, and the DOJ chooses now to act after this law has been in place for 18 years, under both Democratic and Republican administrations. This raises questions about the DOJ’s true motives.” His remarks highlight a growing concern among many Republicans about federal overreach and the importance of safeguarding election integrity.
