Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John James (MI-10) is continuing his long-standing effort to protect the integrity of America’s elections by authoring a letter with House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (KY-01) to the U.S. Department of Justice demanding answers and accountability following reports of non-citizens appearing in Michigan jury pools and voter registration systems. 

The letter, sent to Attorney General Pam Bondi, requests a formal briefing from the Department of Justice regarding these issues and steps being taken to prevent non-citizens from being improperly included in jury pools or voter rolls.

“This is not about the past. It’s about the future. It’s about rebuilding trust so Michiganders have faith in all our elections to come,” said James. “Until Michiganders can trust their elections, Michiganders will not trust their leaders. I’m thankful to Chairman Comer for leading the way to deliver accountability and answers to the American people.”

Michigan’s jury pools are generated using driver’s license and state identification records. State law also provides for automatic voter registration when individuals apply for a driver’s license or state ID unless they opt out, underscoring the importance of maintaining accurate and up-to-date voter eligibility records. 

Recent reports from Macomb County have raised serious concerns about election administration and public confidence in Michigan’s systems. A cross-check of the Michigan Secretary of State’s Qualified Voter File and the county jury pool revealed significant breaches.

“In Michigan’s Macomb County, Clerk Anthony Forlini uncovered significant breaches during a cross check of the Michigan Secretary of State’s Qualified Voter File and the county jury pool,” the letter states. “Over a four-month period, 239 non-citizens were found to have been included in the jury pool. Of these individuals, 14 were identified as having been registered to vote at one point.”

This action builds on Congressman James’s leadership on election integrity. Last week, Rep. James joined a letter from the House of Representatives Michigan Republican Delegation to Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson demanding answers on ongoing concerns about election integrity in Michigan. 

"While you admit you are aware of instances of non-citizen voting you continued to erode public confidence by refusing to comply with a lawful request by the Department of Justice to provide them Michigan’s voter registration data to ensure that Michigan’s voter rolls are being properly maintained," the Michigan lawmakers wrote. "Your refusal to comply with the DOJ’s request and assist in building the public’s confidence in Michigan elections invalidates your statement to the Committee on House Administration that you believe your responsibility is to 'ensure our elections are accessible, safe, secure and that the results are accurate' because under your watch you have allowed an environment to persist where at least 15 non-citizens cast ballots in the 2024 election."

Rep. James has long maintained that safeguarding election integrity is essential to maintaining public trust in our democratic institutions and protecting the fundamental civil right of every eligible American to vote. He twice voted in support of the SAVE Act, and is a cosponsor of the SAVE America Act to establish voter ID requirements for voting or registering to vote in federal elections.

To read the full letter to Attorney General Bondi click here.

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