Supreme Justice: Voter Purge Sparks Controversy Ahead of Election

The U.S. Supreme Court approved Virginia's voter roll purge before the November election, removing around 1,600 individuals thought to be noncitizens. Despite court challenges and opposition from voting rights groups and the Justice Department, the ruling stands. The move underscores the ongoing debate over election integrity and voter rights.

In a significant turn leading up to the November 5 election, the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated Virginia's removal of approximately 1,600 individuals from its voter rolls. Virginia officials claimed these individuals were not U.S. citizens, igniting debates as the decision was contested by President Joe Biden's administration and voting rights advocates.

The Supreme Court's conservative majority saw its three liberal justices dissenting, siding with Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin. Youngkin insists this purge is a crucial measure to ensure only rightful U.S. citizens entitle to vote, despite assertions from the Justice Department arguing it infringes on citizens' voting rights.

The ongoing dispute touches on broader electoral concerns, especially as studies indicate that voting by noncitizens rarely occurs. With Virginia not deemed a critical battleground state, the court's decision nevertheless casts implications for national discussions on immigration and voter integrity, as both sides gear up for impending electoral battles.

(With inputs from agencies.)