DOJ Sues Michigan Over Voter Registration Data Access

News Summary

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Michigan and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, claiming her refusal to provide complete voter registration data violates federal law. The DOJ emphasizes the importance of maintaining accurate voter rolls to combat fraud, while Benson raises concerns over privacy implications for residents. The lawsuit also highlights Michigan’s lag in voter registration maintenance compared to national averages. The case could have significant implications for election practices across the U.S. as similar lawsuits emerge in other states.

Lansing, Michigan – The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated a lawsuit against the state of Michigan and its Secretary of State, Jocelyn Benson, alleging that her refusal to provide complete voter registration data violates federal law. The suit was filed on September 25, and it is part of a broader set of similar legal actions targeting multiple states, including California, Minnesota, New York, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania.

The DOJ claims that keeping accurate voter registration rolls is critical in the fight against voter fraud and is fundamental to guaranteeing fair elections. In response, Secretary Benson has labeled the DOJ’s request as an overreach of power and has raised serious concerns regarding the implications for residents’ privacy. She emphasized that these requests, which involve sensitive personal information from more than 8 million Michigan residents, are unprecedented.

Before the lawsuit was filed, Benson expressed her worries regarding the DOJ’s demands during an online panel on September 23, where she reiterated the importance of privacy protections for voters. The lawsuit asserts that Michigan is falling behind other states regarding the maintenance of accurate voter rolls, revealing that the state has only sent confirmation notices to approximately 4.5% of its registered voters, compared to the national average of 19.5%.

Details of the Lawsuit

The DOJ’s complaint outlines specific requirements for Michigan under both the National Voter Registration Act and the Help America Vote Act, which mandate that states maintain accurate voter information records. The federal government argues that acquiring this information is essential to enforce federal election laws effectively.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has underscored the need for “clean voter rolls,” stating that they are the foundation of free and fair elections. The DOJ maintains that states must adhere to their legal obligations to ensure that voter registration records are up to date and accurate.

Concerns Over Voter Intimidation and Privacy

The legal action raises concerns about potential voter intimidation or suppression, particularly in light of the Trump administration’s history of allegations concerning widespread voter fraud. Some critics argue that the DOJ’s approach could have chilling effects on voter turnout and engagement.

Legal precedents indicate that while states generally possess the authority to manage their voter rolls, they are still required to show compliance with federal laws. Previous lawsuits brought under similar circumstances have been dismissed due to lack of standing, and state regulations offer significant latitude in voter registration and maintenance practices.

State Officials Response

Michigan’s Secretary of State and various officials have expressed skepticism regarding the DOJ’s extensive data requests. They question the motives behind seeking such specific personal information and caution about the implications of collecting sensitive data on residents without adequate justification.

The issue at hand not only involves the mechanics of voter registration but also touches on broader questions about privacy rights, state sovereignty in managing elections, and the perceived role of federal authorities in local electoral processes. The outcome of this lawsuit is anticipated to have implications not just for Michigan but potentially for election practices across the United States, as similar situations unfold in various jurisdictions.

As the situation develops, it will be important to monitor both the legal proceedings in Michigan and the responses by other states facing similar lawsuits from the DOJ, as these events could shape the landscape of voter registration and election integrity in the coming years.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Detroit Free Press: Trump Administration Sues Benson Over Voter Rolls
• MLive: Trump’s DOJ Demands Voter Registration Data
• Politico: DOJ Lawsuit Over Voter Rolls Data
• Michigan Lawyers Weekly: Peter Strzok Lawsuit Dismissed
• Farmers Advance: Trump Administration Sides with Enbridge in Lawsuit
• Wikipedia: Voter Registration in the United States
• Google Search: Trump DOJ Voter Registration
• Google Scholar: DOJ Voter Registration Data
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Voter Registration
• Google News: Trump Administration Lawsuit Michigan