Gov. Sherrill says state removing more than 4,500 voter registrations tied to MVC software error
TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Mikie Sherrill said Tuesday that New Jersey has begun removing more than 4,500 voter registrations created solely because of a Motor Vehicle Commission software error, while the remaining cases will undergo additional review to ensure eligible voters are not improperly removed.
The update comes one week after Sherrill announced that an MVC software error had improperly registered approximately 6,600 individuals to vote between June 2023 and June 2024 during the previous administration.
In a statement, Sherrill said the state has notified affected individuals by mail and launched a website — nj.gov/MVCsystemerror2023 — with frequently asked questions, information about the voter registration review process and support resources.
“One week ago, I informed New Jerseyans that a serious software error in the Motor Vehicle Commission system had improperly registered approximately 6,600 individuals to vote between June 2023 and June 2024, during the previous administration,” Sherrill said.
The governor said the Division of Elections has begun removing more than 4,500 individuals who were registered solely because of the software error. The remaining registrations will be reviewed by county election officials.
“We are taking this extra step because our initial review indicates that a number of these individuals may be citizens. That has been the case in other states where clerical and administrative voter registration errors have occurred, and we’re determined to get this right,” Sherrill said.
“Just as we have an obligation to remove everyone who is not eligible to vote, we also have a responsibility to protect the voting rights of eligible New Jersey citizens and ensure no one is improperly removed from the rolls. And we are going to do just that.”
Sherrill said the state acted quickly after discovering the issue.
“As I said last week, this is what accountable government looks like. We inherited a problem. We didn’t hide it. We didn’t deny it. We’re investigating it. And we’re going to fix it, the right way.”
The governor also criticized President Donald Trump and his supporters over their response to the issue.
“That approach stands in stark contrast to how MAGA Republicans have responded to this issue. From the moment I made this public and launched the investigation, Donald Trump and his followers have moved to weaponize the issue to advance their voter suppression schemes. And they are trying to target the individuals affected, who were registered through no fault of their own. I won’t let them do either.”
Sherrill said New Jersey residents should remain confident in the state’s election system.
“New Jerseyans should have confidence that every eligible citizen can vote, every lawful vote will be counted, and their government will act quickly and transparently when problems arise. That’s my responsibility as Governor, and we’ll continue providing public updates while this investigation moves forward.”
