DOJ Demands Sensitive Voter Data from States Amid Legal Challenges

In May 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) demanded voter registration data from nearly all states and Washington, D.C., including sensitive information such as driver's license numbers and partial Social Security numbers. The DOJ has filed lawsuits against 30 states for non-compliance, with six lawsuits dismissed so far. States are resisting these demands, citing privacy laws. The DOJ claims the data is needed to ensure compliance with federal voter roll maintenance requirements. Some states have agreed to provide the data under a confidentiality agreement, while others have refused. The situation raises significant privacy and security concerns regarding the handling of sensitive personal data. The legal battles continue as states push back against federal overreach in election administration.

Key Points: • DOJ has filed lawsuits against 30 states for refusing to provide sensitive voter data. • Six lawsuits have been dismissed, while some states have agreed to provide data under confidentiality. • The DOJ's actions are seen as an unprecedented federal encroachment on state election authority.