TRENTON, N.J. — The Trump administration is signaling that New Jersey’s noncitizen voter registration controversy may be broader than previously disclosed, with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stating that the 35,000 potential noncitizen voter registrations previously identified “may only be the beginning.”
The statement comes as the administration of Gov. Mikie Sherrill is expected to publicly address the issue this week.
Sources familiar with discussions in Trenton told Shore News Network that state officials are preparing a statement regarding the ongoing controversy, though the contents of that statement have not been made public.
Hundreds more illegal voters are expected to be revealed.
The tip was also verified by former Chris Christie administration official David Wildstein.
“Breaking: @GovSherrillNJ administration expected to say today that about 220 noncitizens either voted or registered to vote in New Jersey before the motor vehicles computer glitch,” Wildstein posted.
Mullin made the comments in a post on X after announcing what he described as cooperation between New Jersey election officials and DHS.
“Thank you, @GovSherrillNJ. We got news from your Secretary of State that New Jersey will participate with @DHSgov in STOPPING aliens from illegally voting in your state,” Mullin wrote. “The 35,000 potential registered aliens we identified may only be the beginning—look forward to helping NJ identify illegal voters and ensure election integrity.”
As of publication, the Sherrill administration has not publicly confirmed Mullin’s characterization of those discussions with DHS.
New Jersey’s voter registration controversy
The controversy began after Gov. Sherrill disclosed that a software configuration error at the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission resulted in thousands of noncitizens being improperly added to the state’s voter rolls through the automatic voter registration process.
According to state officials, approximately 6,600 noncitizens were registered after indicating they were not U.S. citizens while obtaining driver’s licenses or identification cards. State officials have said roughly 400 of those individuals appear to have cast ballots before the error was discovered.
The administration has maintained there is no evidence those votes changed the outcome of any election and has said it began removing affected registrations after identifying the problem.
The issue prompted multiple congressional investigations and requests for records from New Jersey election officials.
Federal prosecutions added to scrutiny
The voter registration controversy has coincided with federal criminal prosecutions involving noncitizens accused of illegally voting in federal elections.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey announced charges against four noncitizens alleging illegal voting and false statements made during the naturalization process.
According to federal prosecutors, the defendants included individuals from Israel, Jamaica, Liberia, and India who allegedly voted in one or more federal elections before applying for U.S. citizenship.
Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said at the time, “These aliens illegally voted in American elections.”
DHS says investigation continues
Mullin’s latest statement suggests DHS believes additional potential noncitizen voter registrations could be identified as the federal review continues.
The department has not yet released documentation supporting the statement that the previously identified 35,000 registrations “may only be the beginning,” nor has New Jersey election officials publicly responded to that specific claim.
If the Sherrill administration issues a statement, it would represent the state’s first public response to Mullin’s latest comments regarding the scope of the federal review.
- DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said 35,000 potential noncitizen voter registrations in New Jersey “may only be the beginning.”
- Mullin said New Jersey’s Secretary of State has agreed to work with DHS on election integrity efforts.
- The Sherrill administration has not publicly confirmed Mullin’s characterization of those discussions.
- Sources told Shore News Network the administration is preparing a public statement regarding the issue.
- Earlier this year, New Jersey disclosed an MVC voter registration error involving approximately 6,600 noncitizens.
- Federal prosecutors have separately charged four noncitizens with illegally voting in federal elections.
FAQ
- Did DHS say there are more than 35,000 noncitizen voters?
- No. Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the 35,000 potential registered noncitizens identified by DHS “may only be the beginning.” DHS has not yet released evidence supporting a higher number.
- Has New Jersey confirmed Mullin’s statement?
- No. As of publication, the Sherrill administration has not publicly confirmed Mullin’s characterization of discussions with DHS.
- What was the MVC voter registration error?
- State officials said a software configuration issue allowed approximately 6,600 noncitizens to be improperly registered to vote through New Jersey’s automatic voter registration system.
- Is the investigation ongoing?
- Yes. Federal officials, congressional committees, and New Jersey election officials continue reviewing the matter.
Sources: Department of Homeland Security, Secretary Markwayne Mullin, U.S. Department of Justice, New Jersey Department of State, Source within Sherrill Administration, David Wildstein
