Story perspectives

DOJ Sues 23 States Over Voter Registration Compliance

1/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed lawsuits against Connecticut and Arizona for failing to provide complete voter registration lists, bringing the total sued states to 23.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong called the actions "meritless," said Connecticut complies with federal law, and criticized the lack of prior communication.
Republican state senators welcomed the suit, citing a Bridgeport absentee-ballot scandal that they say damaged public trust in Connecticut's election system.

History

Historical Context

The Voting Rights Act of 1965, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson during the civil rights movement, aimed to eliminate racial discrimination in voting. It empowered federal oversight of voter registration, leading to a significant increase in Black voter registration. Despite its initial success, recent legal challenges, including the 2013 Shelby County v. Holder ruling, have raised concerns about ongoing voter suppression and state-federal tensions in electoral oversight.

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Story summary

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed lawsuits against Connecticut and Arizona for failing to provide complete voter registration lists, bringing the total sued states to 23.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong called the actions "meritless," said Connecticut complies with federal law, and criticized the lack of prior communication.
Republican state senators welcomed the suit, citing a Bridgeport absentee-ballot scandal that they say damaged public trust in Connecticut's election system.

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