Department of Justice guides states on voter roll maintenance

The Department of Justice has released new guidance regarding the maintenance of voter rolls as states prepare for upcoming elections. This guidance outlines the procedures and timelines for removing voters from the rolls, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that eligible voters can participate in elections without facing discrimination or intimidation. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke highlighted the necessity of adhering to federal laws that protect voter rights, particularly as Election Day approaches. The guidance specifies that any systematic removal of voters must not occur within 90 days of a federal election, reinforcing the need for states to conduct voter roll maintenance in a fair and nondiscriminatory manner. This is crucial to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and to ensure that all eligible voters remain on the active lists. As states work to clean up their voter rolls, the DOJ's guidance comes at a time when some secretaries of state are actively removing ineligible voters. Concurrently, various nonprofit organizations are filing lawsuits in states where they believe ineligible voters have not been adequately removed, raising concerns about the fairness of the electoral process. Overall, the DOJ's guidance serves as a reminder of the federal government's commitment to protecting voting rights and ensuring that the electoral process remains accessible and fair for all eligible citizens. This initiative is part of a broader effort to maintain a robust democracy by safeguarding the rights of voters across the nation.