A recent lawsuit alleges that Alabama is engaging in voter suppression tactics by targeting naturalized citizens in a voter purge. The lawsuit, filed by the Southern Poverty Law Center and Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program, claims that the state is violating the Voting Rights Act by removing eligible voters from the rolls.
The lawsuit specifically points to the case of four naturalized citizens who were removed from the voter rolls after their citizenship status was questioned by the state. According to the plaintiffs, these individuals followed all necessary steps to become U.S. citizens and should not be targeted for removal from voter rolls.
The plaintiffs argue that Alabama’s actions disproportionately affect minority voters, as naturalized citizens are more likely to be people of color. They claim that this voter purge is a form of discrimination that violates the rights of naturalized citizens to participate in the democratic process.
Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill has defended the state’s actions, stating that the voter purge is necessary to maintain the integrity of the electoral process. However, the plaintiffs argue that the purge is discriminatory and infringes on the rights of eligible voters.
The lawsuit has attracted national attention as voting rights continue to be a contentious issue. Advocates for voting rights are concerned that actions like these could disenfranchise eligible voters and undermine democracy.
As the case unfolds, it will be important to monitor how the courts respond to these allegations and whether Alabama will be held accountable for its voter purge practices. In the meantime, advocates are working to ensure that all eligible voters, including naturalized citizens, are able to participate in elections without facing discriminatory barriers.
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