DOJ Official Criticizes New Jersey Governor Over Voter Registration Issue

The Justice Department's top Civil Rights official, Harmeet Dhillon, accused New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill of criticizing President Donald Trump's election integrity claims while being aware of an impending disclosure regarding a significant voter registration issue. In a speech on July 16, Trump alleged that China acquired sensitive voter data and claimed that U.S. intelligence agencies concealed this information. He also stated that several Democrat-run states, including New Jersey, have a high number of noncitizens registered to vote. Data from the Department of Homeland Security indicated that over 35,000 potential noncitizens are on New Jersey's voter rolls. Dhillon stated that Sherrill knew about this information prior to Trump's address and criticized her for calling Trump a liar. She emphasized that governors cooperating with the DOJ would receive assistance, while those who do not could face lawsuits. Following Trump's address, Sherrill joined 23 other Democratic governors in a statement rebuking Trump, asserting that his claims undermine free and fair elections. Sherrill's spokesman indicated that she would not comply with the DOJ's request for voter data, citing concerns about the Trump administration's intentions. Other states, including Pennsylvania and New York, have also resisted DOJ requests for voter registration data, citing legal limitations.