UPDATE: The Republican National Committee (RNC) and the Maryland GOP have just filed a lawsuit against state election officials, alleging “impossibly high” voter registration figures that exceed the number of eligible citizens. This urgent legal action was announced on Friday, October 20, 2023, following a similar lawsuit by the Department of Justice earlier this week.
The lawsuit targets Jared DeMarinis, the State Administrator of Elections, along with four members of the Board of Elections in Maryland. The RNC claims that both Howard County and Montgomery County reported registered voter numbers that surpass the population of residents over 18 years old. Alarmingly, the suit highlights that 10 additional counties also report voter registration rates exceeding 95%, far above the statewide average.
The implications of these allegations are significant. The RNC claims that the inflated registration figures compromise “campaign-related activities” and “get-out-the-vote efforts,” ultimately undermining their ability to elect Republican candidates. Maryland election officials have not yet responded to inquiries regarding the lawsuit.
The legal complaint is filed under the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, which mandates that states must make a “reasonable effort to remove the names of ineligible voters” from their registration lists. In July, the RNC had already sent a letter to DeMarinis requesting the state’s voter registration list, asserting that Maryland had violated federal law.
The lawsuit also references a concerning 2023 audit that concluded the State Board of Elections’ review of voter registration data was “inadequate.” Allegedly, the audit revealed the presence of deceased and ineligible voters on the state’s voter rolls.
This lawsuit arrives just days after the Department of Justice initiated legal proceedings against DeMarinis and five other states for failing to comply with requests for voter registration data. Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, “Accurate voter rolls are the cornerstone of fair and free elections, and too many states have fallen into a pattern of noncompliance with basic voter roll maintenance.” She emphasized that the DOJ would continue to pursue proactive litigation to uphold election integrity.
The unfolding situation is critical not only for Maryland but also for the broader landscape of U.S. elections. With concerns over voter registration accuracy rising, this lawsuit could set a precedent that impacts electoral processes nationwide.
As the case develops, it will be crucial to monitor responses from Maryland officials and any potential implications for upcoming elections. Stay tuned for more updates on this pressing issue.
Have a news tip? Contact Brendan Nordstrom at [email protected] or at 443-900-1353.
