DOJ Files Lawsuits Against Six States Over Voter Roll Issues

News Summary

The U.S. Department of Justice is taking legal action against Michigan and five other states for failing to comply with federal voter registration roll requests. This move, which is part of a broader effort to ensure clean voter rolls, has sparked controversy, particularly in Michigan, where state officials argue the federal government is overreaching. The outcomes of these lawsuits could impact voter registration practices nationwide and highlight the ongoing tensions between state and federal election authorities.

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated legal action against Michigan and five other states, including California, Minnesota, New York, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania, over allegations of non-compliance with federal voter registration roll requests. The lawsuits were filed on Thursday and underscore claims that these states did not provide statewide voter registration rolls as requested, a violation of several federal laws including the National Voter Registration Act, the Help America Vote Act, and the Civil Rights Act of 1960.

According to the DOJ, maintaining clean voter rolls is crucial for ensuring free and fair elections, with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasizing the responsibility of states to keep accurate voter records. The department asserts that proper maintenance of voter rolls is necessary to prevent voting fraud and restore public confidence in electoral integrity. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon added that compliance with federal election laws is imperative for the protection of American elections.

The legal actions have sparked significant controversy, particularly in Michigan, where Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has openly criticized the DOJ’s lawsuit as an unconstitutional power grab. Benson stated that the federal government’s demand for personal information, including driver’s license numbers and Social Security numbers of over 8 million Michigan residents, was problematic. She indicated that her department had already submitted the public version of Michigan’s voter file to the DOJ, and voiced concerns regarding the timing of the request and the lack of clarity regarding its intentions.

The DOJ’s lawsuits were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, noted for having a higher concentration of Republican-appointed judges, making it a potentially favorable venue for conservative legal challenges. Federal prosecutors maintain that the information sought is essential for enforcing statutory requirements over voter registration and maintenance programs.

These recent lawsuits are seen as a continuation of aggressive measures prompted by the events of the 2020 elections, which were marred by numerous allegations of voter fraud. The lawsuits underscore a broader issue regarding the varying levels of state compliance and efforts in maintaining an accurate voter registration system. Reports indicate that Michigan’s practices may not align with national averages, causing additional scrutiny.

Concerns regarding federal overreach in state election processes have been echoed among both Democratic and Republican secretaries of state. Benson affirmed her commitment to safeguarding the personal data of Michigan voters and announced her intention to oppose the DOJ’s lawsuit. The growing tension between state officials and the federal government reflects ongoing debates about the integrity of electoral processes across the country.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications for voter registration practices and election security will likely be closely monitored by various stakeholders, including state officials, electoral advocacy groups, and the voting public. The outcomes may set important precedents for how states manage voter registration and comply with federal oversight.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Michigan Advance
• CBS News
• Detroit Free Press
• MLive
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Voting Rights