Florida is suing the Biden administration over allegations that the federal government is obstructing the state’s ability to ensure only U.S. citizens are registered to vote. The lawsuit, filed by Attorney General Ashley Moody, accuses the Department of Homeland Security of refusing to verify the immigration status of individuals flagged on Florida’s voter rolls.
The legal action follows Florida’s efforts to remove noncitizens from its voter rolls, which the state claims have been stymied by the Biden administration. Moody’s office said that the Department of Homeland Security and Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas have denied requests to verify immigration records, preventing the state from confirming the citizenship of certain registered voters.
“Voting is a right granted to American citizens — not illegal immigrants or other noncitizens,” Moody stated, adding that the Biden administration’s actions have forced the state to take legal action. The lawsuit claims that the federal government’s refusal to cooperate has made it difficult for Florida to maintain election integrity.
I am taking legal action against @DHSgov @SecMayorkas for refusing to comply with Florida’s demand to verify immigration records of voters and ensure voter integrity.https://t.co/QBVpdseQXB
— AG Ashley Moody (@AGAshleyMoody) October 17, 2024
Florida Secretary of State Cory Byrd echoed these concerns, arguing that the federal government is blocking states from obtaining vital information. Byrd vowed that Florida would continue to fight for “one citizen, one vote,” and ensure that noncitizens are not participating in the state’s elections.
The lawsuit is part of a broader conflict between states and the Biden administration over voter-roll integrity. Alabama and Virginia have faced similar challenges, with the Department of Justice suing both states for attempting to remove noncitizens from voter lists.