Public records obtained by the Republican National Committee and the New Jersey Republican Party have uncovered multiple cases of noncitizens appearing on New Jersey voter rolls, with some records indicating that noncitizens cast ballots in previous elections before being removed.
The documents, obtained through records requests sent to all 21 counties in the state, show numerous instances of noncitizens seeking removal from voter registration lists while pursuing U.S. citizenship. Many reportedly expressed concern that remaining registered to vote could jeopardize their naturalization applications.
According to the records, most of the individuals were registered as Democrats.
Noncitizens Asked Election Officials to Remove Them
In Atlantic County, election officials documented dozens of cases in which noncitizens personally contacted election offices to confirm they were registered and request removal from the voter rolls.
One standard letter from Atlantic County Superintendent of Elections and Commissioner of Registration Maureen Bugdon stated:
“Please allow this letter to confirm that on today’s date, the below-referenced individual came before this office to confirm her registration and voter status.”
“She relayed that she did not wish to be a New Jersey registered voter and does not understand how she became registered through the Department of Motor Vehicles, allegedly.”
Many of the individuals indicated they were not U.S. citizens and sought immediate removal from voter registration records.
Officials noted that most had no voting history. However, records revealed some exceptions.
Documents Show Some Noncitizens Voted
According to county records, one noncitizen who was ultimately removed from the voter rolls in 2015 had voted multiple times, including in elections during 2000, 2001, and the 2008 general election.
Another noncitizen was recorded as having voted in a municipal election in 2000 and a primary election in 2005.
Additional voter cancellation forms obtained through the records requests showed numerous individuals identifying themselves as noncitizens when explaining why they wanted their registrations canceled.
In Atlantic County alone, more than 50 documents reportedly show noncitizens stating they had been unknowingly registered to vote.
RNC Says Findings Raise Broader Concerns
RNC Chairman Joe Gruters said the records represent only a fraction of the potential problem because the documented cases involve individuals who voluntarily came forward.
“I mean, it’s really incredible because here the Democrats are saying that, you know, noncitizens never vote, [that], this is a non-issue, but every county we’re finding people that are self-reporting now,” Gruters said.
“And I’m glad we’re doing these records request because it’s really eye-opening, because this is just the people that have self-reported.”
According to Gruters, the RNC has requested voter registration maintenance information from 48 states as part of its ongoing election integrity efforts.
“You want a democracy that’s secure and elections that are free and safe and that people can depend upon, and people have full confidence in,” he said.
Gruters said the RNC currently has election integrity personnel working in multiple states ahead of future elections.
“We have staffers already in 17 states working on these issues to make sure that, like I said, it goes back to having a safe and secure election that’s free and fair,” he said.
Supreme Court Case Could Impact Election Procedures
Gruters also pointed to the pending Supreme Court case Watson v. RNC, which challenges state laws allowing mail ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted after polls close.
The case has drawn attention as California continues counting ballots days after recent primary elections.
“I mean, just what’s happened with Spencer Pratt should open your eyes, and you should be sick to your stomach,” Gruters said.
“This should not be allowed in America.”
Gruters argued that lengthy ballot counting periods create concerns about election confidence.
“We’re fighting hard to put an end to this, and this, like I said, this could be probably our biggest win ever from an election integrity standpoint by stopping this and making sure that election day means exactly what it says, election day.”
Motor Vehicle Agency Defends Registration System
A spokesman for New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle Commission defended the state’s voter registration procedures and described such incidents as rare.
“MVC, together with state and local partners across New Jersey, uses rigorous processes to ensure eligible individuals register to vote through the MVC,” the spokesman said.
“Consistent with all applicable laws, individuals who apply to register to vote through the MVC affirm their citizenship.”
The spokesman added that instances involving noncitizens are taken seriously by the agency.
“While it is exceedingly rare that non-citizens claim citizenship or other voter eligibility through the MVC, such instances are taken extremely seriously by this agency.”
The records have renewed debate over voter roll maintenance and election integrity as Republicans continue pushing for stricter verification measures at both the state and federal levels.
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