‘They want it all’: DOJ sparks election fears by demanding voter data from 9 states

Key Takeaways:

• The DOJ is requesting voter registration lists and election information from nine states, causing concern among election officials.
• Colorado has received a sweeping demand for all records related to the 2024 election, including ballots and voting equipment.
• Election experts fear the misuse of sensitive voter data and potential violations of federal privacy laws.
• Political operatives linked to the Trump administration are approaching local election officials, adding to tensions.
• The actions are seen as a potential attempt to undermine state election autonomy and could impact future elections.

DOJ’s Demands for Voter Data Ignite Election Fears

Introduction: DOJ’s Sweeping Requests Raise Alarms Ahead of Midterms

The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking voter registration lists and extensive election information from nine states ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, prompting fears about how the Trump administration plans to use the data. The DOJ’s actions have raised concerns among election officials and experts about potential federal overreach and threats to election integrity.

States Targeted for Voter Data

Over the past three months, at least nine states—including Alaska, Arizona, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Colorado—have received requests from the DOJ for information. Letters obtained from the DOJ indicate a focus on how states register voters, identify duplicate registrations, and handle individuals not eligible to vote, such as those with felony convictions or deceased voters.

Most letters also request information on processes for flagging noncitizen applicants, even though noncitizen voting is illegal and extremely rare. The DOJ is calling on election officials to turn over voter registration lists, which in some states encompass data on millions of residents. The breadth of these requests has left officials questioning the DOJ’s intentions.

Colorado’s Unprecedented Demand

Colorado has received the most sweeping request. On May 12, Harmeet Dhillon, an assistant U.S. attorney general in the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, sent a letter to Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold demanding access to “all records” related to the 2024 election. This extensive demand could include ballots and even voting equipment.

“The amount of records being requested from a place like Colorado… it’s really, really significant in terms of the volume of materials that are required to be retained,” said Neal Ubriani, policy and research director at the nonpartisan Institute for Responsive Government.

Griswold, a Democrat, expressed deep concerns: “Do I think they are trying to undermine our elections at large in this country? Absolutely.” She noted that Colorado elections are “very secure” but worried about the broader implications of the DOJ’s actions.

Election Officials Respond

Election officials across the targeted states are apprehensive about the requests. David Becker, executive director of the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation & Research, hosted a conference call with more than 350 election officials from 33 states to discuss the federal actions. “The DOJ seems dead set on acquiring personal information on voters… records that are highly protected under federal law and under state law and which state election officials are sworn to protect,” Becker said.

In Wisconsin, the state election commission responded by directing the DOJ to publicly available voter data, while Arizona’s Secretary of State Adrian Fontes provided information on state compliance with federal laws but emphasized adherence to legal protocols.

Legal and Privacy Implications

Experts are questioning the legal basis for the DOJ’s sweeping demands. Justin Levitt, a law professor at Loyola Marymount University and former senior policy adviser in the Biden White House, remarked, “They don’t make much sense as law enforcement investigations. That makes me think that there’s some other purpose.”

Federal laws often restrict how the government can use publicly obtainable data, especially concerning voter information that includes sensitive personal details. The requests have sparked debates over privacy rights and the potential misuse of voter data for political purposes.

Political Operatives and Local Outreach

Adding to the complexity, political operatives linked to the Trump administration have approached local election officials. In Colorado, several Republican county clerks reported being contacted by Jeff Small, a political operative who claimed to represent the White House. Small sought to enlist clerks in “election integrity efforts” following Trump’s executive order overhauling elections administration.

Steve Schleiker, clerk of El Paso County, recounted that Small introduced himself as someone who “works for the White House” and expressed the administration’s dissatisfaction with progress on election-related initiatives. Such outreach has raised further concerns about the motives behind these federal actions.

The Broader Context: Election Integrity and Federal Overreach

The DOJ’s actions come after President Donald Trump directed Attorney General Pam Bondi in March to seek information about suspected election crimes from state election officials. The administration’s heightened focus on election processes has led many to question whether these efforts are aimed at addressing legitimate concerns or undermining state autonomy in elections.

“Whatever the Trump administration tries to pull is very unlikely to be successful,” Griswold asserted, emphasizing her commitment to secure elections. However, the widespread nature of the DOJ’s requests and the approach to local officials suggest a concerted effort that could impact future elections.

Conclusion: Uncertain Path Forward for Election Administration

As states grapple with the DOJ’s demands, the tension between federal authority and state election autonomy intensifies. The potential implications for voter privacy, election integrity, and democratic processes remain uncertain. Election officials and experts continue to advocate for transparency and adherence to legal protections, hoping to safeguard the integrity of upcoming elections.