Colorado Defies DOJ’s Demand for Statewide Voter Data
Colorado has taken a firm stance against the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), rejecting requests for sensitive voter data. Secretary of State Jena Griswold has voiced strong opposition to the federal government’s demands, emphasizing that Colorado will not comply with what she termed the “Trump Department of Justice’s” requests.
Colorado Stands Against DOJ Demands for Voter Data
In a public statement, Griswold declared, “The DOJ can take a hike; it does not have a legal right to the information.” This rejection aligns Colorado with other states that have also denied similar requests from the DOJ.
Details of the DOJ’s Proposal
According to an email obtained by Democracy Docket, a lawyer from the DOJ’s voting section contacted Colorado’s election officials, proposing a memorandum of understanding (MOU). This MOU requested access to Colorado’s voter registration list for various analyses and compliance checks under federal law.
- DOJ sought access to unredacted voter registration data.
- Purpose cited: Testing and assessing the maintenance of voter lists.
Deputy Secretary of State Andrew Kline promptly declined this offer. He stated, “We will not be producing unredacted voter files or signing the MOU.”
Wider Trends in State Responses
Various states, including Arizona, Oregon, and Rhode Island, have similarly rebuffed the DOJ’s overtures for access to voter information. This trend reflects a rising concern over the safeguarding of voter privacy and data integrity amidst ongoing national debates regarding election security.
Confusion and Contradictions from Federal Agencies
The DOJ’s efforts indicate a broader ambition to access state voter registration rolls. This push has included sending letters to nearly every state, demanding access to these private voter records, which contain personal information such as names, addresses, and identification numbers.
In a recent report, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appeared to confirm it was working with the DOJ to gain voter registration data aimed at removing noncitizens from the rolls. However, conflicting statements from DHS officials raised additional questions about the intentions behind these data requests.
Ongoing Concerns and Future Implications
A coalition of ten state election leaders, including Griswold, has officially requested clarification from the DOJ and DHS regarding the usage of state voter registration data. Griswold highlighted the significance of transparency in this matter, questioning the motivations behind extensive data collection efforts.
“Americans deserve to know what Trump is doing, collecting mass voter data and whether it’s being quietly run through an unproven citizen check system,” she stated. As events develop, Colorado’s stance raises critical questions about state sovereignty and voter privacy in the realm of federal oversight.
Overview of Colorado’s Firm Position
As debates around voter data intensify, Colorado’s rejection of the DOJ’s demands stands as a pivotal moment. This decision underscores a commitment to protecting citizen information and reflects broader uncertainties in federal-state relations concerning election integrity.
