New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill is facing increased scrutiny following the discovery that approximately 6,600 noncitizens were mistakenly added to the state’s voter rolls due to a software error. The registrations, which occurred between June 2023 and June 2024, have raised concerns about election integrity ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

Sherrill, who assumed office in January, has rejected a recent request from the Department of Justice to release personal information—including names, dates of birth, nationalities, and addresses—of the affected individuals. The governor characterized the request as lacking legal grounds, a position the Justice Department has disputed, asserting it will pursue the data through all lawful means.

The error originated from software used at motor vehicle offices, where noncitizens applying for driver’s licenses or identification cards were inadvertently registered to vote despite indicating their ineligibility. Although the technology malfunction was corrected, the previous administration under former Governor Philip D. Murphy did not notify individuals or remove them from the voter rolls. Murphy has stated that he was not aware of the issue during his tenure.

Sherrill emphasized that the individuals affected were not at fault and has committed to protecting their rights while addressing the problem. She announced plans to promptly remove about 4,500 registrations from the voter rolls. The remaining 2,100 cases are undergoing further review by county election officials, as some may be eligible voters. The governor underscored the need to safeguard the rights of lawful citizens while ensuring ineligible registrations are eliminated.

Since June 2023, around 400 noncitizens who were mistakenly registered have cast ballots, though Sherrill has stated there is no current evidence the error influenced any election outcomes. Independent investigations have been ordered to assess the full extent of the impact.

The situation has attracted national attention, with former President Donald Trump and other election integrity advocates citing it as proof of unlawful voting. Trump has made the issue a focal point of his stance on election security. Benjamin Ginsberg, a Republican election attorney who has criticized Trump’s broader claims of election fraud, acknowledged that Sherrill is now at the forefront of this politically charged debate, regardless of her position.

The discovery has also heightened anxiety within immigrant communities in New Jersey, where undocumented residents are allowed to obtain driver’s licenses and can register to vote at motor vehicle offices. Advocacy groups have reported increased fear among affected populations, worried about potential legal consequences and confusion surrounding their status.

In response, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission has begun mailing bilingual notices to those impacted to clarify the error and inform them of the situation. An online portal has also been established to provide information and support.

Political reactions within the state have been mixed. Republican officials have criticized Democratic leadership for responsibility over the issue, while some Democrats have defended the integrity of New Jersey’s elections overall, noting the small scale of the registration errors compared to total votes cast. Nonetheless, the controversy is seen as a challenging issue for Sherrill, who is considered a rising figure within the Democratic Party.

Experts suggest that the governor’s handling of the situation could either damage her political standing or provide an opportunity to demonstrate leadership on election security and reform. With less than 100 days until the midterm elections, the resolution of this issue will be closely watched both within and beyond New Jersey.