Nashville Standard

United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ-05), along with other members of Congress, have expressed concern over the Department of Justice's handling of non-citizens registering to vote in federal elections. They have addressed a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, criticizing the DOJ for its lack of response to an inquiry sent on July 12, 2024.

"We are deeply concerned by reports of non-citizens registering to vote and voting in federal elections," stated the members of Congress. "As of today, there has been no response from you or your Department regarding the inquiry on July 12, 2024."

State officials from South Carolina, Georgia, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and Texas have reported cases involving illegal voter registration by non-citizens. The lawmakers highlighted recent findings that over 6,500 non-citizens registered to vote in Texas and were subsequently removed from voter rolls. In Virginia, more than 6,300 non-citizens were identified on voter rolls in 2022 and 2023.

"Clearly, there is a non-negligible amount of voter participation by non-citizens in federal elections," continued the members of Congress.

The letter outlines ten specific requests for information from the DOJ regarding enforcement efforts against illegal voting by non-citizens. These include data on prosecutions under various U.S.C sections since January 20, 2021; details about referrals received concerning such cases; and measures taken by the DOJ to investigate allegations of non-citizen voting or registration.

The signatories include Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Roger Marshall (R-KS), among others. Representatives supporting this call include Andy Harris (R-MD-01), Clay Higgins (R-LA-03), Gary Palmer (R-AL-06), Matt Rosendale (R-MT-02), Ralph Norman (R-SC-05), among others.

The letter concludes with a request for responses by October 16, 2024: "Thank you for your attention to this matter and we look forward to your prompt reply."