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DOJ Warns State Officials of Potential Criminal Penalties Over Noncitizen Voting

Published July 8, 2026 at 6:52 PM UTC

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In a significant move, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued letters to election officials across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, warning them of potential criminal liability if noncitizens are allowed to vote in federal elections. The letters, signed by Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon, emphasize that knowingly retaining noncitizens on voter registration lists or facilitating their participation in elections could lead to prosecution. The DOJ has given state officials five days to respond, detailing how they intend to comply with federal laws ensuring that only eligible U.S. citizens cast ballots. This action underscores the administration's commitment to enforcing election integrity, particularly ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. While instances of noncitizen voting are exceedingly rare, the DOJ's directive aims to reinforce the importance of maintaining accurate voter rolls and upholding the sanctity of the electoral process.