Justice Department Expands Efforts to Gather Voter Information from States
In recent months, the U.S. Department of Justice has stepped up its outreach to state election officials, seeking voter registration data and other election information. This push includes letters, emails, and phone calls targeted at at least 15 states, comprised of both Democrat and Republican-led administrations.
In Colorado, for example, the Justice Department has requested comprehensive records related to the 2024 election, along with historical data from the 2020 election. Conversations have reportedly taken place with officials in several states about creating information-sharing agreements focused on addressing concerns like voter fraud.
This increased effort has raised eyebrows among some election officials who worry about federal overreach. Traditionally, states have the constitutional authority to manage their own elections, and there are laws designed to protect individual data from being shared without consent.
These actions mark a significant shift in how the Justice Department operates under the Trump administration. Historically focused on protecting voters’ rights, the department now appears to be more concerned with investigating potential voter fraud and noncitizen voting—issues that, while infrequently occurring, have gained heightened attention in recent years.
The Justice Department’s current initiatives to probe past elections and influence the upcoming 2026 midterms suggest a more proactive approach in ensuring election integrity. President Trump has called for a thorough investigation of the 2020 election results and has urged Republican lawmakers to adjust congressional maps in favor of the GOP.
Critics have pointed out that the Justice Department isn’t usually known for conducting broad inquiries in this manner. David Becker, a former department attorney, commented that this behavior seems different from past practices.
Election offices in various states, including Alaska, Arizona, and California, have confirmed receiving requests for their voter registration lists. Some officials have raised questions about how the data would be utilized and safeguarded.
On the other hand, responses from state officials have been mixed. States like Minnesota have expressed legal concerns about providing sensitive information about voters, citing privacy laws. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers in Minnesota have encouraged compliance with federal requests, contending that it is crucial for protecting voting rights.
Overall, as the Justice Department’s requests continue, state election officials remain cautious, balancing the need for transparency with the need to protect citizens’ privacy rights.
