Virginia Voter Roll Dispute Intensifies Following Court Rulings
LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — A significant voter roll dispute in Virginia has escalated following a ruling from the Virginia Court of Appeals on Sunday. The situation began with an executive order from Governor Glenn Youngkin in August that controversially removed nearly 1,600 individuals identified as non-citizens from the voter rolls. The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law responded by filing a lawsuit against the order, highlighting concerns that the purge included eligible voters.
On October 27, a federal judge ruled the order violated federal election laws by allowing a voter purge less than 90 days before an election. The ruling required Youngkin to reinstate the affected individuals by October 30. Despite filing an appeal, the Court of Appeals upheld the federal judge’s decision, asserting that such purges cannot occur close to elections.
In an effort to continue the appeal, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares filed an emergency stay with the U.S. Supreme Court. Observers noted that the Supreme Court would need to act quickly, as a decision must be reached within days to impact the upcoming election. Legal expert John Fishwick remarked on the urgency and potential importance of the Supreme Court’s involvement.
In a statement following the ruling, the Lawyers’ Committee expressed strong support for the Court of Appeals’ decision, reiterating the unconstitutionality of removing eligible citizens just ahead of elections. They urged for swift action from the Supreme Court to ensure that eligible voters are not disenfranchised.
As the situation unfolds, Governor Youngkin is mandated to comply with the Court of Appeals ruling unless the Supreme Court intervenes, adding an element of uncertainty to the upcoming election.
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