### Justice Department Sues Alabama Over Voter Roll Purge

The Justice Department has initiated legal action against Alabama, contesting the state's effort to remove more than 3,000 names from its voter rolls. The department asserts that this move, taking place just before an election, contravenes federal laws designed to protect voter registration.

Wes Allen, Alabama's GOP Secretary of State, revealed on August 13 his actions to purge 3,251 individuals classified as noncitizens, despite acknowledging the possibility that some may now be naturalized and eligible to vote. The Justice Department's 18-page lawsuit filed in federal court argues that Alabama's timing conflicts with the National Voter Registration Act. This federal law mandates a 90-day "quiet period" before an election during which states cannot systematically cleanse voter lists.

The Justice Department highlights that although over 700 individuals affected by the purge have re-registered, there are potentially hundreds or thousands more U.S. citizens who remain inactive and risk disenfranchisement. Citing confusion and deterrence among eligible voters, DOJ attorneys emphasized the very issues Congress sought to avoid by enacting the Quiet Period Provision.

Studies by both liberal and conservative groups have shown that voter fraud by noncitizens is exceedingly rare and typically caught, undermining the premise of Alabama's aggressive voter roll maintenance. Moreover, experts agree that such voter purges are often prone to errors, further substantiating the Justice Department's case.

This new lawsuit amplifies previous challenges initiated by voters in Alabama who were directly impacted by the purge. Subsequently, a judge consolidated these cases due to their time-sensitive nature. The Justice Department seeks to have Alabama's actions reversed to enable all eligible voters to participate in the impending federal election without hindrance.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke stressed the importance of resolving voter confusion ahead of Election Day and reaffirmed the Justice Department's commitment to safeguarding voting rights. In response, Wes Allen refrained from commenting on the litigation but asserted his constitutional duty to prevent noncitizens from voting.

"I was elected Secretary of State by the people of Alabama, and it is my Constitutional duty to ensure that only American citizens vote in our elections," Allen stated, maintaining his position on the matter.