Joco Today

Senator Roger Marshall, M.D., along with Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ), has called on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to take action against illegal voter registration by non-citizens. In a letter addressed to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, the lawmakers demanded transparency and measures to ensure that only American citizens participate in U.S. elections.

The letter highlighted concerns about the high number of border encounters since President Biden took office, stating, "As you are likely aware, the United States has experienced a record number of border encounters since President Biden took office—nearly 10 million—many of whom have been released into, or evaded apprehension while entering, the U.S." The Members of Congress emphasized their inquiry into the DOJ's efforts to enforce laws prohibiting non-citizens from voting.

State officials across various states have taken steps to prevent and investigate cases of illegal voter registration by non-citizens. The lawmakers noted instances where non-citizens were found registering or attempting to register to vote in states like Georgia and Ohio. They stated, "Plainly, there are opportunities for and instances of non-citizen voter registration, and so the critical question is whether the laws against doing so are being enforced by your Department."

The members requested detailed information by July 19, 2024, including:

1. The number of aliens charged, tried, or convicted under specific statutes since January 20, 2021.

2. Referrals received regarding these statutes.

3. Methods used by the DOJ to investigate allegations of non-citizen voting.

4. Steps taken by the DOJ to detect and deter illegal voter registrations.

5. Coordination with the Department of Homeland Security on this issue.

6. Actions taken by U.S. Attorneys and relevant DOJ sections regarding jury-related information indicating unlawful registrations.

They also sought clarification on what measures will be implemented as the 2024 election approaches.

The letter underscored recent reports revealing that state officials had discovered cases where non-citizens were prompted or allowed to register to vote in local elections despite federal laws prohibiting such actions.

The legislators concluded their letter urging prompt attention from Attorney General Garland on this matter.