General Discussion

In recent months, the chief election officials for the six states, both Democrats and Republicans, have rejected DOJ’s demands, citing both legal and privacy concerns.

“The Department of Justice did not … identify any legal basis in its June 25 letter that would entitle it to Minnesota’s voter registration list,” Justin Erickson, general counsel for Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon (D), wrote. “Nor did it explain how this information would be used, stored, and secured.”

In August, Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt (R) wrote, “Because your letters do not provide any legal justification for the Department to disregard this sacred obligation, we are unable to share such confidential information with you.”

“New Hampshire law authorizes the Secretary of State to release the statewide voter registration list in limited circumstances not applicable here,” wrote New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan (R) in his letter rejecting DOJ’s demand. ....

“This isn’t just about a data request,” Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes (D) said in a statement to Democracy Docket. “It’s about protecting your privacy, your security, and your fundamental right to vote free from unnecessary federal overreach. Once that information leaves our custody, there is no guarantee about how it’s handled, where it ends up, or whether it’s properly secured. To date, there has been no clear legal justification or transparent explanation for these demands.”