Hinds Today

U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and U.S. Representative Michael Guest (R-Miss.) have joined other lawmakers in seeking answers from U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland regarding the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) actions to prevent non-citizens from registering to vote in American elections.

Hyde-Smith and Guest are among 64 lawmakers who signed a letter addressed to Garland, requesting information on the number of non-citizens charged, tried, or convicted for registering to vote in federal elections. They also sought details on what measures the DOJ is taking to deter such activities.

"As you are likely aware, the United States has experienced a record number of border encounters since President Biden took office—nearly 10 million—many of whom have been released into, or evaded apprehension while entering, the U.S.," the Members of Congress wrote. "We’re writing to inquire regarding the efforts undertaken by your Department to enforce the law that prohibits non-citizens from voting in our elections."

Federal law prohibits non-citizens from voting or registering to vote in federal elections and making false claims of U.S. citizenship. Recently, state officials across various states including South Carolina, Georgia, Ohio, and Tennessee have taken steps to prevent and investigate illegal voter registration by non-citizens.

"Plainly, there are opportunities for and instances of non-citizen voter registration, and so the critical question is whether the laws against doing so are being enforced by your Department," continued the Members of Congress. "There appear to have been few prosecutions by your Department under these laws, and there is no indication that you have been pursuing cases in places like Georgia and Ohio where aliens have been caught registering or voting."

The members requested this information by July 19, 2024, aiming "to promote public trust."

U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and U.S. Representative Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) spearheaded the letter which was signed by 22 Senators and 42 House Members.