States Question DHS Claims on Noncitizen Voters

Why it matters locally: Virginia election officials, like their counterparts in other states, would likely be among those seeking clarification from the Department of Homeland Security regarding the methodology used to identify noncitizens on voter rolls, as they are responsible for maintaining accurate voter registration within the Commonwealth.

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State officials have requested the Department of Homeland Security provide details regarding its claims about noncitizens on state voter rolls. DHS stated it identified tens of thousands of noncitizens on voter registration lists. States are now seeking an explanation of the methodology the department used to arrive at these figures. Representatives from multiple states have communicated with DHS. Their inquiries focus on understanding the data and the process DHS employed to identify these individuals. These state officials manage voter registration processes within their respective jurisdictions. They have emphasized their responsibility for maintaining accurate voter rolls. Their requests for information underscore a desire for transparency and clarity regarding federal findings that impact their state-level operations. Officials from DHS have acknowledged receiving the inquiries from state authorities. The department has indicated it will provide further information to the states as it processes their requests.