Trump’s DOJ Sues 18 States for Access to Voter Data

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched legal actions against several states in its quest for sensitive voter data. This initiative, led by the Trump administration, aims to gain access to voter registration lists, including personal identifiers like driver’s license numbers and parts of Social Security numbers.

Legal Actions Against Multiple States

As of now, the DOJ has filed lawsuits against 18 states, primarily those with Democratic leadership and where Trump lost the 2020 election. The most recent states targeted include:

• Colorado
• Hawaii
• Massachusetts
• Nevada

Additionally, a lawsuit has been filed against Fulton County, Georgia, aiming to secure all ballots and election records from the contentious 2020 election.

Reasons Behind the Lawsuit

The DOJ justifies its actions by stating the need to verify compliance with federal regulations governing voter registration accuracy. However, numerous states have resisted these demands, citing privacy concerns.

Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, Harmeet Dhillon, emphasized the DOJ’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of elections. She stated, “At this Department of Justice, we will not permit states to jeopardize the integrity and effectiveness of elections by refusing to abide by our federal elections laws.”

State Responses and Implications

Officials in various states have voiced strong objections to the DOJ’s requests. Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold remarked, “We will not hand over Coloradans’ sensitive voting information to Donald Trump. He does not have a legal right to the information.”

This ongoing legal scrutiny comes amidst broader discussions about the security and integrity of U.S. elections. Furthermore, Trump recently made headlines by announcing a pardon for Tina Peters, a former county clerk in Colorado, who was convicted for unauthorized access to voting equipment.

Impact on Voting Rights and Privacy

The DOJ’s legal maneuvers raise significant questions about voter privacy and the balance between state and federal election oversight. Advocates for voter rights are closely monitoring the outcomes of these lawsuits to ensure that election integrity is maintained while protecting individual privacy.