Noncitizens remained registered to vote in New Jersey for years, with some casting ballots in previous elections, according to documents obtained through public records requests. The Republican National Committee and the New Jersey Republican Party requested voter rolls from all 21 counties in the state and uncovered multiple cases of noncitizens seeking naturalization who asked to be removed from the rolls, claiming they were unknowingly registered. The majority of these individuals were registered as Democrats.
Federal and state law prohibits noncitizens from voting in elections, and those applying for citizenship feared that being on voter rolls would disqualify them from naturalization. Official letters from Atlantic County Superintendent of Elections and Commissioner of Registration Maureen Bugdon certified that noncitizens came to her office requesting removal from voter registration lists.
Atlantic County records reveal years of improper registrations
The typical certification letter confirms that individuals appeared before the county office to verify their registration and voter status. These noncitizens stated they did not wish to be registered New Jersey voters and did not understand how they became registered through the Department of Motor Vehicles. While most letters confirmed the noncitizens had no voting record, some individuals had cast ballots in previous elections.
One noncitizen removed from the rolls in 2015 voted multiple times in 2000 and 2001, as well as in the 2008 general election. Another noncitizen voted in a primary election in 2005 and a municipal election in 2000. Additional documents showed noncitizens directly requesting removal from voter rolls through state voter registration cancellation forms. When asked why they wished to be removed, the vast majority checked a box labeled “other” and wrote they were not citizens.
In Atlantic County alone, more than 50 documents from noncitizens attesting they were unknowingly registered to vote were reviewed. The discovery raises questions about voter registration processes and the mechanisms that allowed noncitizens to be added to rolls without their knowledge or consent.
RNC chairman says hundreds of cases likely represent tip of iceberg
RNC Chairman Joe Gruters says the organization found hundreds of noncitizen registrants in New Jersey who likely represent only a fraction of the problem. He states that New Jersey and other Democrat-run states are unwilling to disclose information about their voter registration list maintenance processes. The RNC has requested information from 48 states regarding their voter roll maintenance procedures.
Gruters emphasized the significance of the findings. The self-reporting cases revealed through records requests are eye-opening because they represent only those who came forward voluntarily. He stated that contrary to claims that noncitizens never vote, every county examined is finding people who self-reported their improper registration.
The RNC chairman stressed the importance of secure elections. A functioning democracy requires elections that are free, safe, and dependable, with full public confidence in the process. He argues that the documented cases in New Jersey demonstrate a need for stronger voter roll maintenance and verification systems.
Republican National Committee intensifies election integrity efforts nationwide
The RNC launched a comprehensive election integrity push in 2024 that continues today. The organization is bringing increased scrutiny and has personnel on the ground across the country to ensure greater diligence in November elections. Staffers are already working in 17 states on election integrity issues to ensure safe, secure, free, and fair elections.
- Public records requests submitted to all 21 New Jersey counties
- Hundreds of noncitizen voter registrations identified
- Multiple documented cases of noncitizens casting ballots in past elections
- Election integrity staff deployed in 17 states
- Records requests sent to 48 states regarding voter roll maintenance
The multimillion-dollar election integrity initiative represents a significant investment by the Republican National Committee. The organization aims to identify and address vulnerabilities in voter registration systems before the midterm elections. Gruters describes the effort as bringing the hammer down on election irregularities and ensuring comprehensive oversight of voter roll accuracy.
Supreme Court case could reshape mail ballot counting deadlines
Gruters expressed optimism about another RNC battle on the election integrity front. The Supreme Court is set to decide on Watson vs. RNC, a challenge to laws that allow ballots to be cast by mail on election day but counted days later. The RNC seeks to eliminate this practice, which Gruters highlighted as California continues to count ballots from Tuesday night’s primary elections nearly a week after polls closed.
A victory in the Supreme Court case could represent one of the organization’s biggest election victories ever, according to Gruters. He cited the situation with Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt as an example that should concern Americans. The RNC chairman argues this practice should not be allowed in America.
Gruters stated that when elections have an open-ended target date, it opens doors for potential manipulation. The organization is fighting to ensure that election day means exactly what it says. A Supreme Court decision in favor of the RNC could fundamentally change how mail ballots are processed and when results must be finalized across the country.
State officials decline to comment on voter registration findings
Democratic New Jersey Governor Mickie Sherrill’s office did not respond to requests for comment on the documented cases of noncitizen voter registrations. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission also did not provide a response. Atlantic County officials similarly declined to comment on the findings.
The lack of response from state officials leaves questions unanswered about how noncitizens were added to voter rolls and what steps the state is taking to prevent future improper registrations. The Department of Motor Vehicles appears to be a common factor in many cases, with noncitizens stating they did not understand how they became registered through that agency.
The documented cases in New Jersey represent a small sample of what could be a broader national issue. With the RNC expanding its investigation to 48 states, similar patterns may emerge in other jurisdictions. The organization’s election integrity push aims to identify systemic weaknesses in voter registration processes and ensure only eligible citizens are registered and voting in federal and state elections.
