Feds Denied Access to Michigan’s Sensitive Voter Data Over Privacy Concerns
Michigan blocked DOJ from accessing unredacted voter records with personal data.
Why it matters: This legal standoff spotlights federal-state privacy conflicts and election security issues, crucial for legal and election professionals.
- On June 24, 2026, the 6th Circuit Appeals Court ruled DOJ cannot access Michigan’s full voter list with sensitive data.
- DOJ sued Michigan and 23+ states demanding unredacted voter info to ensure election security.
- Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Attorney General Dana Nessel defended voter privacy citing state and federal laws.
- At least nine other states have won similar legal dismissals against DOJ’s attempts to access sensitive voter data.
On June 24, 2026, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Michigan’s refusal to share unredacted voter registration data with the U.S. Department of Justice. The voter list includes highly sensitive details — birthdates, driver’s license numbers, and partial Social Security numbers — raising significant privacy concerns. The ruling was 2-1 against the DOJ.
The DOJ had previously sued Michigan, alongside 23 other states and the District of Columbia, demanding access to detailed voter information to bolster election security efforts. The suit was dismissed on February 10, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou, who determined federal law does not compel states to disclose this information.
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson firmly opposed the DOJ request, asserting that neither the president nor federal agencies have the right to probe such private voter details. Benson stated, “Nobody – not the president, the DOJ or any other federal agency has the right to your sensitive, private voter information.” Her office noted protections under state and federal privacy laws.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel emphasized legal resistance, stating, “We will not be bullied into violating the privacy rights of residents, and my office will continue to protect the personal data of Michiganders.” Federal courts have dismissed similar DOJ lawsuits in at least nine other states, including Maryland, Arizona, and Wisconsin, reinforcing state authority over sensitive voter records. Cases in these states reflect a nationwide pattern of preserving voter data privacy against federal challenges.
This dispute underscores ongoing tensions between federal election security efforts and state-level privacy protections, creating a complex landscape for legal professionals focused on privacy, election law, and federalism issues.
By the numbers:
- June 24, 2026 — 6th Circuit Court denied DOJ access to Michigan voter data
- February 10, 2026 — Federal judge dismissed DOJ lawsuit against Michigan
- 23+ states — sued by DOJ for unredacted voter information
- 9 states — where similar DOJ lawsuits have been dismissed
What's next: The DOJ’s next legal or legislative moves to obtain sensitive voter data remain unclear following multiple dismissals.