GOP Outrage Erupts After NJ Admits Illegal Voting

Republican leaders across the state and country are demanding answers after New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill acknowledged that roughly 6,600 illegal immigrants were mistakenly registered to vote because of what she described as a software error in the state's Motor Vehicle Commission system.

The disclosure has reignited the national debate over election integrity and automatic voter registration, especially with confirmation that illegal immigrants cast ballots in a United States election.

New York Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt said the revelation vindicates warnings Republicans have been making for months.

"I told you so," Ortt said.

"Our conference warned that automatic voter registration through Medicaid or driver's licenses could lead to fraud and illegal immigrants voting."

Ortt said New Jersey's experience should end any effort to expand similar programs in New York.

"After this fraud was found in the Garden State, there is ZERO reason to adopt the same scheme here in New York."

The announcement sparked immediate reaction from Republicans nationwide.

Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., called the disclosure "complete insanity," urging a full investigation and calling on New York to immediately audit its own voter registration system.

U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., said, "Just ONE illegal vote cancels out the vote of a U.S. citizen," adding he looks forward to working with New Jersey to strengthen election security.

Conservative activist Scott Presler declared, "WE WERE RIGHT!" and said the governor's admission proves non-citizens were "registered AND voting in New Jersey," renewing his call for passage of the SAVE Act.

Longtime political commentator Juanita Broaddrick questioned whether the numbers are even higher, writing, "I have no doubt the number is a lot higher."

According to Sherrill, the registrations occurred between June 2023 and June 2024 when applicants applying for driver's licenses or state identification cards answered "no" when asked whether they were U.S. citizens but were nevertheless registered because of a software error.

Preliminary findings found at least 400 of those newly registered cast ballots, according to New Jersey officials.

The affected voters included Democrats, Republicans and unaffiliated voters statewide. Sherrill ordered the names removed from the voter rolls, launched an investigation and directed the state to replace the software vendor responsible for the system