The state of Texas has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seeking access to data on the citizenship status of voters. The lawsuit, filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, alleges that DHS has not responded to multiple requests for the data as required by federal law. Texas officials believe that having access to this information is crucial for ensuring the integrity of the state’s voter rolls.
The dispute between Texas and DHS stems from the state’s efforts to identify and remove non-citizens from its voter rolls. Earlier this year, Texas officials mistakenly identified nearly 100,000 potential non-citizens on its voter rolls, leading to allegations of voter suppression. The state eventually acknowledged that the list was flawed and settled a lawsuit challenging its accuracy.
In response to the lawsuit, a spokesperson for DHS stated that the agency does not comment on pending litigation. However, the spokesperson emphasized that DHS is committed to working with states to ensure the integrity of their voter rolls.
The lawsuit comes amid ongoing debates over voter fraud and voter suppression in the United States. Critics of voter ID laws argue that they disproportionately disenfranchise minority and low-income voters, while proponents argue that they are necessary to prevent fraud. Texas has been at the center of these debates in recent years, with lawsuits challenging the state’s voter ID laws and redistricting plans.
As the lawsuit moves forward, it remains to be seen how the dispute between Texas and DHS will be resolved. The outcome could have implications for voter registration and voting rights in Texas and beyond.
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