DOJ warns voter officials liability for noncitizen voting

The U.S. Department of Justice has warned election officials in all 50 states and the District of Columbia that they could face criminal prosecution if they knowingly allow noncitizens to remain on voter rolls or cast ballots in federal elections. The letters, sent on Tuesday, July -7, 2026, and signed by Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon, demand that states outline their compliance plans within five days.

The letters state that federal law mandates election officials to maintain accurate records and ensure only eligible U.S. citizens vote. They specify that any election officer, including a state's chief election official, who knowingly retains noncitizens on voter registration lists or facilitates their voting could be subject to criminal liability. The Justice Department described the letters as seeking voluntary compliance and an offer to assist states in meeting their federal obligations.

This action is part of a broader administration effort to examine state voter rolls and address noncitizen voting ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. President Donald Trump has repeatedly emphasized this issue, pushing for legislation like the SAVE America Act,...