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Federal Judge Halts Alabama’s Controversial Voter Removal Initiative

In a significant ruling, a federal judge has blocked Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen’s plan to remove voters from the rolls, a move that was purportedly aimed at noncitizens. The decision, issued on October 16, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco, comes just weeks before the upcoming general election, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding voter access and election integrity.

Legal Challenges to Voter Purges

Judge Manasco’s five-page order emphasized that Allen’s voter removal program violated federal law by missing a critical deadline. According to the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), states must complete systematic purges of ineligible voters no later than 90 days before a federal election.

  • Allen’s announcement of the purge, which aimed to begin just 84 days before the election, raised alarms among voting rights advocates.
  • The judge noted that the purge list included thousands of U.S. citizens, not just noncitizens, which further complicated the legality of the initiative.

The ruling was welcomed by private plaintiffs, including individual voters and advocacy groups, who argued that the program unfairly targeted naturalized citizens. Kathy Jones, president of the League of Women Voters of Alabama, expressed relief at the court’s decision, stating, “This ruling strengthens our democracy by safeguarding access to the ballot for all eligible voters.”

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Implications of the Ruling

The court’s decision not only halts the immediate voter removal efforts but also mandates that Allen take specific actions to rectify the situation. Within three days, he must provide guidance to county registrars to reactivate voters who were inappropriately flagged for removal.

  • The order requires Allen to issue remedial mailers to affected voters and to ensure that his office’s communications reflect the new legal reality.
  • Additionally, the judge highlighted a concerning over 50% error rate in the state’s identification of noncitizen voters, raising questions about the reliability of the state’s voter roll maintenance practices.

The ruling underscores the importance of protecting voter rights, especially in a state where access to the ballot has been a contentious issue. Kate Huddleston, senior counsel at Campaign Legal Center, emphasized that “no U.S. citizen should be afraid to vote,” reinforcing the need for transparency and fairness in the electoral process.

Ongoing Legal and Political Landscape

While the judge’s order provides immediate relief to voters, it does not prevent the Secretary of State from investigating or removing actual noncitizens from the rolls. The preliminary injunction is set to expire the day after the election, leaving open the possibility for future legal battles over voter access in Alabama.

  • The U.S. Department of Justice has also filed a lawsuit related to the voter removal program, signaling a broader federal interest in ensuring compliance with voting rights laws.
  • Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke remarked that the ruling sends a clear message about the Justice Department’s commitment to protecting eligible voters’ rights.

As the election approaches, the implications of this ruling will likely resonate throughout Alabama’s political landscape. The ongoing debate over voter access, particularly for marginalized communities, remains a critical issue as candidates prepare for the upcoming elections.

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