Virginia Lawsuit Challenges Voter Roll Purges

African Communities Together has joined a lawsuit against the Virginia Board of Elections, claiming that the state's 'Purge Program' violates the National Voter Registration Act by unfairly removing eligible voters, particularly those misidentified as noncitizens. The program, initiated by Governor Glenn Youngkin's executive order in August 2024, mandates the removal of individuals from voter registration lists based on DMV records, with a 14-day window to prove citizenship. This has raised concerns about the timing of the removals, which occur just before the November 2024 elections, infringing upon the 90-day quiet period set by the NVRA. In Tennessee, a recent Supreme Court ruling complicates the process for felons to regain voting rights, requiring pardons or restoration of citizenship rights along with specific financial obligations. Critics argue that these changes exacerbate the difficulties many face in reclaiming their voting rights, positioning Tennessee as one of the hardest states for such restoration. Both situations highlight ongoing national debates regarding voting access and election integrity.