Leavitt Critiques Sherrill Over Voter Registration Issue in New Jersey

White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt recently took aim at New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill regarding the issue of noncitizens registered to vote in the state. She highlighted the timing of the announcement as President Trump increases emphasis on election security.

Leavitt noted, “It’s interesting that the governor decided to issue a press release stating that President Trump and the Republican Party are correct about noncitizens on the voter rolls. This isn’t a coincidence.” She added her belief that Sherrill’s comments stem from an acknowledgment of the administration’s commitment to addressing illegal voting.

In an important development, Sherrill disclosed that around 6,600 noncitizens had been registered to vote via New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle System because of a software malfunction. However, the company responsible for the software denied any wrongdoing. According to Leavitt, the presence of noncitizens on the voter rolls further reinforces the administration’s worries about election integrity.

Leavitt emphasized that Sherrill’s acknowledgment of the problem speaks to a broader issue occurring in various states. “It’s entirely unacceptable for noncitizens to vote in U.S. elections,” she stated, “and we believe there could be many more cases similar to this, not just in New Jersey, but across the country.”

This news comes just days after President Trump addressed the nation, asserting the need for “free and fair” elections. He reaffirmed his backing of the SAVE America Act, which mandates proof of citizenship and photo identification for federal voting registration.

Trump explained further: “I’ve directed the Department of Homeland Security to inform all states about noncitizens on their voter rolls and to immediately remove ineligible voters.” His stance suggests a significant push for stricter electoral regulations.

Following Trump’s remarks, Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin held a press conference, warning that officials neglecting the information provided by DHS could face serious consequences, including fines or imprisonment. When pressed about connections to New Jersey’s recent voter registration issues, Levitt directed inquiries to the Justice Department.

In light of these developments, how this situation unfolds remains to be seen. Both the implications of the noncitizens on voter rolls and the broader context of electoral integrity are likely to remain hot topics moving forward.