### Virginia Voter Purge Sparks Legal Battle Amid Federal Lawsuit

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Over 1,600 Virginians have had their voter registrations cancelled since August under a state program spearheaded by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, which has now come under fire from the Justice Department and advocacy groups. The removals have been revealed as part of a federal lawsuit challenging the legality of the state's actions.

The Justice Department asserts that Virginia is infringing federal law by removing alleged noncitizens from the voter rolls during a 90-day "quiet period" intended to prevent errors that could disenfranchise legitimate voters before an election. This quiet period aims to ensure any mistakes in removal are caught and corrected before voters potentially lose their right to vote.

Earlier this week, a federal magistrate ordered the state to disclose specific figures and details regarding the voter removals, which had previously remained undisclosed. Under this directive, the state revealed that more than 1,600 voters have been purged since the program was initiated through Youngkin's executive order in August.

Aaron Baird, a spokesperson for Protect Democracy, noted that upon reviewing the state-provided data, it was evident that many naturalized citizens had been wrongly eliminated from the voter rolls. This discovery has intensified scrutiny and criticism of the state's actions.

The state defends its program by arguing that the removals are based on voluntary disclosures of noncitizen status by voters to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Additionally, they claim that individuals identified for removal are given a two-week notice period to contest their removal if done in error.

A significant hearing is set for Thursday in Alexandria, where the Justice Department will seek an injunction to potentially halt the program and reinstate the registrations of those who were erroneously removed. State lawyers argue that such an injunction would unduly interfere with Virginia’s election procedures.

Governor Youngkin, in media interviews, has questioned the Justice Department's motives, emphasizing the necessity of ensuring noncitizens are not inappropriately included on the voter rolls. With nearly 6 million Virginians registered to vote, this issue has widespread implications.

A parallel case in Alabama saw a federal judge rule in favor of restoring eligibility to more than 3,200 voters who had been removed under similar circumstances. In Alabama, it was found that a significant percentage of the purged voters were actually legally registered citizens, lending weight to the concerns raised against Virginia’s program.

This unfolding legal battle in Virginia highlights the ongoing national debate over voter roll purges and the potential for disenfranchisement amidst efforts to maintain electoral integrity.