Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio calls for voter ID, audit of New Jersey voter rolls after MVC registration error
NEW JERSEY — Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio is calling for voter identification requirements, a full audit of New Jersey’s voter rolls and other election security reforms following the state’s disclosure that thousands of noncitizens were mistakenly registered to vote through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s administration announced Tuesday that as many as 6,600 noncitizens were improperly registered through the MVC between June 2023 and June 2024 because of a software error. State officials said fewer than 400 of those individuals voted and have launched an internal investigation, begun removing the improperly registered individuals from the voter rolls and are replacing the vendor that administered the system.
DiMaio, R-Warren, said the issue highlights longstanding concerns about the state’s automatic voter registration process.
“New Jersey Republicans have been sounding the alarm for years that the automatic voter registration process at the MVC was highly problematic. In 2020 and again in 2025, voters were disenfranchised after the system changed party affiliations. When we questioned MVC officials, they refused to disclose how they safeguard the process. Trenton Democrats have continued to undermine public trust in our elections, and it’s time for change,” DiMaio said.
DiMaio is calling for an immediate suspension of automatic voter registration at MVC agencies and said residents who wish to register should instead complete paper registration forms.
“Until citizens are 100% assured that not one illegal resident will be mistakenly or intentionally registered to vote, the automatic process should be immediately halted. U.S. citizens should still be permitted to register to vote at the MVC, but not through the flawed computer system,” DiMaio said.
The Republican leader also urged lawmakers to advance legislation requiring proof of identity to vote. Under current New Jersey law, poll workers generally verify voters by comparing their signatures with those on file, while identification is typically required only for certain first-time voters.
“If Democrats had embraced voter ID – which has broad public support – the MVC’s voter registration failures might not have been so egregious or profound. Their failure to act puts the American right to participate in free and fair elections at risk,” DiMaio said.
While acknowledging the actions announced by the Sherrill administration, DiMaio said additional steps are needed.
“New Jersey needs a top-to-bottom audit of its voter rolls. I believe the problem is much more pervasive than 6,600 non-citizen voters. The results of the audit need to be made public,” DiMaio added.
DiMaio also referenced a letter sent last week by U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to New Jersey Secretary of State Dale Caldwell stating that the department had identified 35,152 noncitizens registered to vote in New Jersey.
“New Jersey needs to cooperate with the feds to get all the non-citizens off the rolls. I urge the Sherrill administration to put politics aside for once and focus on election integrity,” DiMaio added.
In addition to calling for an audit, DiMaio is seeking a legislative investigation into New Jersey’s election security, including public hearings on potential reforms.
“Trenton Democrats need to be held accountable for failing to fix the registration process at the MVC and refusing to secure elections,” DiMaio said. “New Jersey citizens deserve answers and confidence in our election results.”
