RNC Takes Legal Action Against New Jersey Election Officials

RNC Sues New Jersey Over Voter Roll Records Amid Tight Gubernatorial Race

In a move that signals growing Republican concern over election transparency ahead of a competitive gubernatorial race, the Republican National Committee (RNC) has filed a lawsuit against the New Jersey Division of Elections. The RNC alleges that the state, led by Democratic Secretary of State Tahesha Way, has failed to comply with multiple requests for access to public records related to voter roll maintenance and voting machine audits—records the GOP says are required under both federal and state law.

The lawsuit was filed in Mercer County Superior Court on Thursday, July 18, 2025. According to the complaint, the RNC initially submitted a request under New Jersey’s Open Public Records Act (OPRA) on March 25, seeking documentation related to the state’s voter registration maintenance processes and seal audit logs for voting machines. When that request received no response, a follow-up was submitted on June 3. Still, state officials failed to provide a complete reply.

On June 16 and again on July 3, the RNC sent formal demand letters to Secretary Way’s office, reiterating their request for records. However, the response from the Division of Elections was limited—only addressing three out of the original 18 items requested. The RNC argues that this partial compliance is a violation of OPRA, which mandates a response within seven business days.

“This is about ensuring election integrity,” said RNC Chairman Michael Whatley in an interview with Newsmax. “Federal law requires states to regularly maintain their voter rolls. We sent letters to every state asking them to comply, and most responded. But New Jersey ignored us. That’s unacceptable.”

The lawsuit also accuses the state of potentially violating the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), which requires states to implement programs to maintain accurate and up-to-date voter registration lists. The RNC has now called on the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate Secretary Way and determine whether New Jersey is failing to meet its obligations under federal law.

Whatley pointed out that New Jersey’s voter registration numbers are significantly higher than the national average, which he suggests could indicate bloated or outdated rolls. “The integrity of our elections depends on clean voter rolls,” he said. “When a state refuses to answer basic questions about their process, that’s a red flag.”

The legal action comes at a politically sensitive moment. Former President Donald Trump has endorsed Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli, who is once again running for governor. Ciattarelli nearly pulled off a surprise upset in 2021, losing to incumbent Democrat Phil Murphy by just 3.2 percentage points—far narrower than most polls predicted.

This time, Ciattarelli is facing Democratic U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill, and polling suggests the race is again within the margin of error. With New Jersey traditionally considered a blue state, a competitive Republican campaign in 2025 is already drawing national attention—and increasing scrutiny over how the state handles its elections.

As the RNC presses forward with its lawsuit, officials in New Jersey have yet to issue a detailed public statement addressing the allegations. The case could become a flashpoint in the broader national debate over election integrity, transparency, and partisan control of voting procedures.

If successful, the lawsuit could force New Jersey to disclose internal records about how it maintains its voter rolls—setting a precedent that may influence how other states respond to similar demands from political parties or watchdog groups in the future.