TRENTON, N.J. – Attorney General Jennifer Davenport is warning of potential “Federal Threats” to New Jersey’s November election even as the Sherrill administration continues disclosing problems with the state’s own voter-registration system.
An October 19th announcement outlining election safeguards includes a separate section labeled “Federal Threats,” but identifies no specific federal agency, planned action, or incident behind the warning.
“The Attorney General and LPS are also preparing for the possibility of federal interference with New Jersey’s elections,” the release states. “In addition to responding to any unlawful actions, the Attorney General will provide updated guidance as warranted.”
The warning about possible federal interference comes against a backdrop of documented registration failures at home.
On October 7th, Governor Mikie Sherrill disclosed approximately 1,090 additional voter-registration records requiring attention, including about 750 processed despite applicants answering “no” to an age-eligibility question and approximately 340 potentially improper registrations connected to MVC prison re-entry events dating back to 2016.
The administration said neither category involved noncitizens and that birth dates confirmed the age-prompt applicants were old enough to vote. Records requiring further action were being referred to county election officials.
Those findings expanded an already substantial registration controversy. In August, the administration reported approximately 5,100 registrations placed in deleted status and said approximately 340 people newly registered because of the earlier MVC system “error” had voted.
The administration has released aggregate figures and announced procedural reforms, but its latest election-security announcement provides no update on the resolution of those flagged registrations. It also offers no details substantiating the newly highlighted federal threat.
Davenport’s other preparations include attorneys advising county election officials, monitoring for election fraud and improper electioneering, and tracking cyber and physical security threats.
The release also highlights enforcement of the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act, signed by Sherrill earlier this year, through the state Division on Civil Rights.
“Our democracy’s continued success depends on free, fair, and secure elections,” Davenport said.
In-person early voting runs October 24th through November 1st. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.
