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MVC tells noncitizens they were placed on voter rolls because of software error

Source: New Jersey Globe · Jul 31, 2026, 12:54 PM

AI-assisted briefing from the publisher’s public headline and excerpt — not original reporting. How we write briefings

MVC tells noncitizens they were placed on voter rolls because of software error news image

New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission has attributed the placement of noncitizens on voter rolls to a software glitch that transmitted registration information despite applicants answering 'No' to a citizenship question.

The technical error bypassed the citizenship verification safeguard that should have prevented automatic voter registration.

The MVC's explanation addresses concerns about noncitizen voter registration in the state and points to a system failure rather than intentional policy or administrative oversight.

This disclosure comes as election officials nationwide face scrutiny over voter registration procedures and eligibility verification.

Key points

  • A software error at the MVC automatically registered noncitizens despite their 'No' response to citizenship questions
  • The glitch transmitted voter registration information that should have been blocked by citizenship verification checks
  • The MVC attributed the issue to a technical system failure rather than procedural or policy error
  • The discovery raises questions about voter registration safeguards and database management at the state level

FAQ

How did noncitizens get registered to vote in New Jersey?
A software error at the Motor Vehicle Commission automatically transmitted voter registration information for applicants who answered 'No' to a citizenship question, bypassing the normal verification process that should have prevented their registration.
Was this intentional or an accident?
The MVC characterized the issue as a software glitch or technical error, indicating it was an unintended system failure rather than a deliberate action or policy decision.
What will happen to voters registered this way?
The report does not specify what corrective actions the state will take, but discovering noncitizens on voter rolls typically triggers removal procedures and potential investigation into how the error occurred.

Briefing prepared for NJ News Hub. Verify details on the original story. See our editorial policy.

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