DOJ Data Misstep Puts Legal Credibility at Risk
The DOJ admitted to an error in handling voter data, affecting credibility.
Why it matters: Legal professionals need reliable compliance processes which this DOJ error undermines.
- On March 24, DOJ misled a judge about their voter data analysis activities.
- Since 2023, DOJ sought voter rolls from 48 states, suing around 30.
- States like California, Michigan had lawsuits dismissed recently.
- 10 secretaries of state seek DOJ clarity on data practices.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is facing scrutiny following a misstatement by Eric Neff, acting chief of the DOJ's Voting Section, about the handling of nonpublic voter roll data. During a court hearing on March 24, Neff told Judge Mary McElroy that the voter data was untouched and secure.
However, a court filing on March 27 revealed that the DOJ had begun analyzing the data, checking it for duplicate and deceased voters. This contradiction, noted by a report from Wired, raises questions about the DOJ's transparency and procedural accuracy.
Since 2023, the DOJ has actively pursued unredacted voter rolls from 48 states and filed approximately 30 lawsuits to obtain compliance. Recent legal proceedings saw cases dismissed in states like Michigan and California, highlighting the challenges faced by federal authorities when state laws prioritize voter data privacy.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi argues these efforts are necessary for ensuring election integrity. Nonetheless, there is judicial resistance, reinforcing tensions between federal oversight and state sovereignty. Despite dismissals, the DOJ plans to collaborate with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to use voter data for identifying noncitizens, as noted by CBS News.
The situation has prompted secretaries of state from 10 different states to demand clarity from the DOJ about how the data is being handled. Without transparency, this could hamper future federal-state collaborations on election security.
By the numbers:
- 48 states — DOJ sought voter data from these states.
- 30 lawsuits — Filed by DOJ but some recently dismissed.
Yes, but: The DOJ still plans to work with DHS on voter data, indicating ongoing efforts.