All 15 Senate Republicans call for probe of voter registration failures

All fifteen Republicans in the New Jersey State Senate are calling for the creation of a bipartisan legislative committee with subpoena power to investigate how thousands of non-citizens were improperly registered to vote and nearly 400 cast ballots.

The demand comes one day after all 23 Republicans in the State Assembly also called for hearings into the voter registration controversy.

In a letter to Senate President Nicholas Scutari, the Senate Republican caucus urged the Union County Democrat to immediately convene a select committee with equal representation from both parties and co-chairs appointed by the Senate president and minority leader.

The committee would investigate how at least 6,600 non-citizens were registered through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission’s automatic voter registration system despite indicating that they were not U.S. citizens.  Gov. Mikie Sherrill disclosed earlier this week that nearly 400 of those individuals subsequently voted.

“Every unlawful vote that has been cast in this state translates to a New Jersey citizen who has been disenfranchised by having his or her lawful vote fully negated,” the senators said.  “Thus, the seriousness of this matter undoubtedly warrants independent legislative oversight, as it threatens the very bedrock of our democratic process.”

The Republicans want the proposed committee to determine how the registrations occurred, what state officials knew and when they knew it, and what corrective actions and public disclosures were made. They also want lawmakers to investigate whether the problem extends beyond the cases already identified.

The letter calls for determining where the nearly 400 ballots were cast and whether they affected the outcome of any elections.

Republicans also want the committee empowered to subpoena testimony, documents and electronic records from state agencies, government officials, private vendors and any other parties involved.

“The select committee must make recommendations to the Senate as to what safeguards are necessary to prevent similar failures going forward,” the senators stated.

The letter was signed by Senate Minority Leader Anthony Bucco (R-Boonton), along with Sens. Carmen Amato (R-Berkeley), Jon Bramnick (R-Westfield), Kristin Corrado (R-Totowa), Owen Henry (R-Old Bridge), James Holzapfel (R-Toms River), Declan O’Scanlon (R-Little Silver), Joseph Pennacchio (R-Montville), Vincent Polistina (R-Egg Harbor Township), Holly Schepisi (R-River Vale), Robert Singer (R-Lakewood), Parker Space (R-Wantage), Doug Steinhardt (R-Lopatcong), Mike Testa (R-Vineland) and Latham Tiver (R-Southampton).

“New Jersey voters are entitled to elections that are accurate, secure, and properly administered,” the senators said.  “We therefore urge you to join us in convening a bipartisan select committee to conduct the aforementioned investigation without delay.”