A federal court in Alabama has issued an order halting a voter removal program recently implemented by the state. The program, aimed at removing voters from registration rolls, must be stopped until after the November 5 general election. The court also instructed Alabama to guide counties to reinstate deactivated voters unless they requested removal or qualify for other reasons.
"This action sends a clear message that the Justice Department will work to ensure that the rights of eligible voters are protected," stated Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. She emphasized the importance of the National Voter Registration Act's Quiet Period Provision as a safeguard against disenfranchisement.
The Justice Department filed a lawsuit on September 27 against Alabama and its Secretary of State. It claimed that their voter list maintenance program violated Section 8(c)(2) of the National Voter Registration Act by planning systematic removals within 90 days of a federal election. As part of the court's order, Alabama must send remedial mailings to those affected by this process, notifying them of their reactivated status.
The injunction mandates cooperation with county registrars to inform voters that their inclusion in the removal program does not imply ineligibility or risk of criminal prosecution for voting activities. Additionally, it requires notifying those who requested removal about their right to vote if they meet qualifications and informing the Alabama Attorney General about incorrect referrals for criminal investigation.
Eligible voters who suspect wrongful removal can contact the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section via www.civilrights.justice.gov or call 1-800-253-3931. More information on voting rights is available at www.justice.gov/voting.