The Justice Department filed a lawsuit against Virginia on Friday, challenging a statewide program aimed at removing voters from election rolls if Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) records do not confirm U.S. citizenship.
The Justice Department cited a federal law that prohibits removing voters from rolls within 90 days of an election, noting that the National Voter Registration Act mandates officials take heed to restrictions on systematic list maintenance efforts that fall within that timeframe before an election.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin implemented the system through an executive order, but it has already faced legal challenges from immigration rights groups. The DOJ is seeking injunctive relief to restore the voting rights of eligible individuals affected by the purges.
This action mirrors a recent lawsuit the Justice Department filed against Alabama for similar voter roll purges.
Governor Youngkin responded to the lawsuit by calling it a “politically motivated action” and vowed not to “stand idly by,” according to a statement on his website.
