House Republicans Question New Jersey’s Voter Registration

House Republicans are investigating New Jersey’s government after Governor Mikie Sherrill disclosed an error involving over 6,000 noncitizens added to voter rolls in 2023 and 2024. The GOP has criticized New Jersey Democrats following Sherrill’s revelation that 6,600 noncitizens were unintentionally registered during this period, before her tenure, as election integrity becomes a critical issue ahead of the midterms.

Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan and Committee on House Administration Chairman Bryan Steil have written to New Jersey Lt. Governor Dale Caldwell seeking details on the state’s adherence to election-related federal laws.

Noncitizen Voter Registration Error

In July 2026, Governor Sherrill announced that approximately 6,600 noncitizens were wrongly registered to vote between June 2023 and June 2024. The error stemmed from the state’s Motor Vehicle Commission forwarding noncitizens’ information to the Division of Elections, leading to their registration. Sherrill confirmed that about 400 of these individuals cast votes since 2023.

The GOP has expressed significant concerns about these developments and have requested information from New Jersey’s Department of State on federal voting law compliance.

Software Error and Accountability

Governor Sherrill attributed the mistake to a software error within New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle system. However, the software vendor, IDEMIA, denied these claims, suggesting state agencies were responsible. The error ceased only after MVC requested a change in settings in June 2024, and noncitizens remained on voter rolls until recently disclosed.

Despite concerns, there is no evidence that noncitizens have influenced any federal election outcomes. The controversy contributes to Republican calls for stricter federal voting standards.

Investigation and Compliance

House committees are now seeking information about New Jersey’s compliance with the Help America Vote Act of 2002, the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, and the Civil Rights Act of 1960. These laws govern voter registration database rules, motor agencies’ voter registration responsibilities, and voter record maintenance standards.

The committees also seek documentation on New Jersey’s voter eligibility verification process and any lack of cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security regarding voter citizenship status verification.

The inquiry is supported by Representatives Jeff Van Drew and Laurel Lee, both of whom hold subcommittee positions related to the matter. New Jersey’s government is expected to provide the requested documents by August 17.