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The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against Pennsylvania and five other states for not providing requested voter registration data. The DOJ claims that Pennsylvania violated federal laws, including the Help America Vote Act, by refusing to hand over unredacted voter lists. The department seeks information such as names, birth dates, and parts of Social Security numbers to ensure compliance with voting rights laws.
Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt criticized the DOJ's demand as "unprecedented and unlawful," vowing to "vigorously fight" the lawsuit in court. According to The New York Times, the DOJ argues that clean voter rolls protect citizens from fraud and ensure election integrity. However, several states, including Pennsylvania, view the request as federal overreach and a threat to voter privacy.
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon expressed concerns about data protection, stating that Minnesota asked the DOJ for assurances on data security but received no response. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and California Secretary of State Shirley Weber also criticized the DOJ's actions, with Weber calling it a "fishing expedition."
The lawsuit is part of a broader effort by the DOJ to obtain voter data from states, a move seen by some as politically motivated. The case is expected to face significant legal challenges as states defend their right to protect voter information.