government
New Jersey identifies software error that registered 6,600 noncitizens to vote
Summary by The Detroit Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Scripps News Group , WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News
· July 21, 2026
· 2 min read
New Jersey has identified what it calls a "serious software error" that automatically registered about 6,600 non-U.S. citizens to vote. In a statement, Gov. Mikie Sherrill said the error occurred between June 2023 and June 2024, nearly three years before she took office. "These individuals answer...
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Summary created by The Detroit Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed Original reporting Scripps News Group, WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News Original story Read at the source Source published Jul 21, 2026 Indexed here Jul 21, 2026 AI assistance Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text Prepublication human review No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples
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Key takeaway Mikie Sherrill said the error occurred between June 2023 and June 2024, nearly three years before she took office.
Why this matters in The Detroit
In Detroit, where voter registration and election integrity are closely watched, the news from New Jersey serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for errors in the voter registration process. While the circumstances in New Jersey are distinct, the incident highlights the need for vigilance in ensuring the accuracy of voter rolls in Michigan as well. The fact that a software error could register thousands of noncitizens to vote underscores the importance of robust testing and quality control in election administration. As Detroiters look to upcoming elections, they can expect local election officials to be mindful of the potential for similar errors and to take steps to prevent them, including thorough reviews of voter registration systems and procedures. The incident may also spark renewed discussion about election security and integrity in Michigan, particularly in the context of federal efforts to reform election laws.
About this story
Original reporting by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . The Detroit surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: July 21, 2026 ·
Source: WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News ·
Reading time: 2 min
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? New Jersey has identified what it calls a "serious software error" that automatically registered about 6,600 non-U.S. citizens to vote. In a statement, Gov. Mikie Sherrill said the error occurred between June 2023 and June 2024, nearly three years before she took office. "These individuals answer...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 21, 2026 by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News and curated for The Detroit readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Scripps News Group at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News. To learn more about how The Detroit selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Detroit, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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