Over 3,200 individuals in Alabama, identified as likely noncitizens, have been removed from the state’s voter rolls in preparation for the 2024 election cycle. This move aligns with Republican efforts to enforce stricter election integrity measures, ensuring that only U.S. citizens can participate in national elections.
Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen announced in a press release on Tuesday that 3,251 voters, previously flagged by the federal government as noncitizens, will have their registrations deactivated. Allen emphasized that this is part of an ongoing review process, saying, “We will continue to conduct such reviews to do everything possible to make sure that everyone on our file is an eligible voter.”
To identify noncitizens, Secretary Allen cross-referenced alien registration numbers issued by the Department of Homeland Security with Alabama’s voter registration lists, according to WVTM. He also stated that a list of these individuals would be provided to the Attorney General’s Office for “further investigation and possible criminal prosecution” if necessary. Alien registration numbers are typically assigned to noncitizens who plan to live in the U.S. permanently and have applied for a green card, as noted by WAFF.
Over 3,200 Alabama residents will receive letters informing them that they must provide proof of citizenship to vote in the upcoming election. Those who have since become naturalized citizens will be given the chance to update their voter registration.
This development comes as Republicans continue to advocate for the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which would mandate proof of citizenship for voter registration nationwide. The push for the SAVE Act has intensified amid ongoing concerns over illegal immigration at the southern border. Democrats have opposed the act, arguing that existing laws prohibiting noncitizens from voting provide sufficient security for elections.