Montgomery, Ala. — A coalition of voter rights groups has filed a lawsuit against Alabama officials, alleging that a state policy unlawfully suppresses the voting rights of naturalized citizens. The lawsuit, filed against Secretary of State Wes Allen and Attorney General Steve Marshall, claims that the policy unfairly targets naturalized citizens by removing them from voter rolls and potentially subjecting them to criminal prosecution.
The policy in question, initiated by Secretary of State Allen, resulted in the removal of 3,251 individuals from Alabama’s voter rolls. The plaintiffs argue that this measure is intended to intimidate and disenfranchise naturalized citizens, violating both the National Voter Registration Act and the Voting Rights Act.
The lawsuit seeks an injunction to halt the enforcement of the policy, which the plaintiffs argue is part of a broader national trend of tightening voting requirements. This trend, predominantly led by Republican lawmakers, comes ahead of upcoming elections, despite evidence indicating that instances of noncitizen voting are exceedingly rare.
State officials have not yet commented on the lawsuit. The case highlights ongoing tensions over voting rights and election integrity in Alabama and across the United States.