The Department of Justice is suing states for sensitive voter data − an election law scholar explains why federal efforts are facing resistance

The DOJ wants states to send it copies of voters’ names and addresses as well as sensitive information such as driver’s license and Social Security numbers. Here’s why many states have refused.

By: John J. Martin, Quinnipiac University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: April 1, 2026

Words: 1,340

Last Updated: 4 months ago

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By John J. Martin, Quinnipiac University

In May 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice began sending letters to state governments demanding copies of statewide voter registration lists. The request was unprecedented: It demanded not only publicly available voter data, such as names and addresses, but also sensitive information, including driver’s license and Social Security numbers.

That data is considered highly sensitive because it can be used to commit identity theft, access financial or …

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