DOJ Targets Maryland and Michigan for Voter Data Compliance

News Summary

The U.S. Department of Justice is intensifying scrutiny over voter registration accuracy in Maryland and Michigan with formal requests for sensitive voter data. These inquiries are part of a broader initiative to enforce compliance with federal voting regulations and to ensure that states maintain accurate voter rolls. Both states have been given deadlines to respond, with concerns raised about ineligible voters and adherence to the Help America Vote Act. This increased federal oversight may have implications for voting rights and privacy across the nation.

Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has targeted Maryland and Michigan for sensitive voter data collection amid increasing compliance concerns regarding voter registration accuracy. Both states have received formal requests from the DOJ’s civil rights division as part of a nationwide effort to scrutinize election-related data and ensure adherence to federal voting regulations.

Maryland’s State Board of Elections (MDSBE) was contacted on July 14, 2025, with a request for access to voter registration records spanning from November 2022 to November 2024. The DOJ’s inquiry specifically seeks information on the number of voters deemed ineligible due to noncitizenship or felony convictions. The letter raises concerns about the accuracy of Maryland’s voter rolls and indicates that a federal investigation could be forthcoming if compliance is not achieved. MDSBE has been given a 14-day deadline to provide the requested data.

This action follows a similar request sent to Michigan’s Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson on July 21, 2025. The DOJ’s communication with Michigan demands access to the state’s voter rolls while also questioning the state’s methods for maintaining these records. The inquiry cites complaints about Michigan’s compliance with the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) concerning voter ID requirements. The DOJ has requested details on the measures Michigan has taken to identify and remove ineligible voters from its registration lists.

State Responses and Legal Background

In response to the DOJ’s letter, a spokesperson for Benson’s office emphasized that the state adheres to the law, asserting that many of the DOJ’s concerns have already been addressed in previous court rulings. A federal appeals court recently upheld a ruling confirming that Michigan maintains accurate voter rolls and effective procedures for managing them. In a related development, a lawsuit brought by the Public Interest Legal Foundation, which claimed Michigan’s voter rolls were inaccurate, was dismissed by federal courts in May 2025.

The DOJ’s scrutiny extends beyond Maryland and Michigan, as it has solicited similar information from various states including Minnesota, Nevada, and Colorado. This ongoing initiative aims to ensure state compliance with federal voting laws and address allegations of inaccuracies in voter registration systems nationwide.

Concerns from Voting Rights Advocates

Former DOJ attorneys and voting rights advocates have voiced concerns over the potential implications of the DOJ’s actions on voting rights across the country. Legal experts have described the DOJ’s efforts as alarming, highlighting worries about the acquisition of sensitive information regarding American citizens through what they perceive as questionable statutory authority. This has raised alarms about the balance between ensuring election integrity and protecting citizens’ privacy rights.

Beyond Maryland and Michigan, the DOJ has also reached out to states such as Florida, Rhode Island, Alaska, New York, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin. Each of these states has been asked to provide insights into their voter data handling and compliance with federal election laws.

This initiative signals a significant increase in federal scrutiny over state voting practices just ahead of pivotal elections. In an era where electoral integrity is under intensified examination, the DOJ’s actions reflect broader concerns about the administration of elections and the need for accurate voter registration processes across the nation.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Democracy Docket: DOJ Demands Voter Data from Maryland and Michigan
• Michigan Advance: Majority of Michiganders Support a Legal Pathway to Citizenship for Immigrants
• WBAL: Early Voting in Maryland General Election
• NBC News: Maryland President Results
• Wikipedia: Voter Registration in the United States