Washington, D.C. – The Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated legal action against six states, citing their refusal to fully cooperate with requests for voter registration lists. The lawsuits target California, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania, raising concerns about election integrity and adherence to federal law.
Attorney General Pam Bondi is seeking comprehensive voter registration data from these states, including names, driver’s license numbers, dates of birth, and partial Social Security numbers. The DOJ argues that access to this information is crucial for ensuring states comply with federal mandates for maintaining accurate and up-to-date voter rolls.
“A clean voter roll is the bedrock of free and fair elections,” stated Attorney General Bondi. “Every state has a responsibility to ensure their voter registration records are accurate, accessible, and secure. States that fail to meet this obligation will be held accountable in court.”
The DOJ’s move underscores a commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process. Concerns have been raised about the presence of deceased individuals on voter rolls, potentially enabling fraudulent voting by family members or others. Additionally, the issue of non-citizens being registered to vote is a significant concern, as it undermines the principle of citizen-only participation in elections.
Some state officials have expressed reservations about sharing the requested data, citing privacy concerns and questioning the legal basis for the DOJ’s demands. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon stated that state and federal laws do not permit his office to provide private voter data without assurances regarding its intended use and protection. Similarly, California Secretary of State Shirley Webber argued that the DOJ had not provided sufficient legal justification for its “intrusive demands.”
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon, of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, emphasized the importance of states fulfilling their obligations to safeguard American elections. “States are obligated to safeguard American elections by complying with our federal election laws,” Dhillon stated. “A clean voter roll protects American citizens from voter fraud and abuse and restores confidence that their state’s elections are conducted properly, with integrity, and according to the law.”
The lawsuits reflect a broader effort to strengthen election security and combat voter fraud. The DOJ’s actions aim to ensure that states are actively maintaining accurate voter rolls and preventing ineligible individuals from participating in elections. This focus aligns with the belief that secure and transparent elections are essential for preserving the foundations of American democracy.
These legal challenges follow previous DOJ actions against Oregon and Maine for their failure to provide requested information on voter roll maintenance procedures and copies of their state voter registration lists. The ongoing efforts demonstrate a consistent commitment to enforcing federal election laws and promoting election integrity across the nation. The outcome of these cases could have significant implications for how states manage their voter rolls and the extent of federal oversight in the election process.
