Texas Complies with Justice Department's Voter Roll Request Amid Privacy Concerns

Texas has complied with a request from the U.S. Justice Department to provide its complete list of registered voters, which includes sensitive identifying information on approximately 18.4 million voters. This action follows a broader initiative by the Trump administration, which has sought voter roll data from all 50 states to enforce federal election laws. The Texas Secretary of State’s Office confirmed that the data was sent on December 23, 2025, including details such as dates of birth, driver’s license numbers, and the last four digits of Social Security numbers.

Texas Shares Voter Data With Justice Department Amid ConcernsTexas TribuneSan Antonio Current

The Justice Department asserts that access to voter rolls is essential for maintaining accurate voter registration lists and removing ineligible voters. However, this request has raised significant concerns among election experts, voting rights organizations, and political entities regarding voter privacy and compliance with federal and state laws. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has warned that the transfer could violate the National Voter Registration Act, which imposes strict conditions on voter removals, particularly within 90 days of an election.

Texas Shares Voter Data With Justice Department Amid ConcernsTexas TribuneSan Antonio Current

DNC Chair Ken Martin characterized the data transfer as a “big government power grab,” expressing fears that it could lead to privacy violations and the wrongful removal of eligible voters from the rolls. The DNC has requested records related to the Justice Department's request and indicated that it may pursue further legal action if necessary. Daniel Freeman, the DNC’s litigation director, highlighted potential legal violations associated with the Justice Department's proposed memorandum of understanding, particularly concerning the timeline for voter removals.

Texas Tribune

In its correspondence with the Justice Department, Texas officials emphasized that the data transfer does not alter the state's responsibilities under existing election laws. They have not yet released the final memorandum of understanding that outlines how the data will be utilized. As Texas prepares for upcoming elections—including a primary on March 3, a runoff on May 26, and a general election on November 3—state officials assert that existing safeguards will continue to govern election administration.

Texas Tribune

While Texas has agreed to share its voter roll, the lack of a publicly available memorandum of understanding raises questions about the specific terms of the data usage and the safeguards in place to protect voter privacy. The Justice Department has faced pushback from 23 states, including Texas, which have either declined to share their voter rolls or have raised concerns about the legality of such requests.

Texas Shares Voter Data With Justice Department Amid Concerns

• “won’t stand idly by as the Trump DOJ tries to get access to Texas voters’ sensitive information.” — Ken Martin, DNC Chair

Texas Tribune

• “Texas agreed to the memorandum of understanding and released the data, but told the department that it did so with the understanding it wouldn’t “limit or affect the duties, responsibilities, and rights” of the state under either the NVRA or other federal laws, according to two letters the Texas Secretary of State’s Office sent the Justice Department in December and released to Votebeat and The Texas Tribune.” — Texas Secretary of State’s Office

Texas Tribune

As the situation evolves, the implications of this data transfer will continue to be scrutinized, particularly regarding its impact on voter privacy and election integrity in Texas.

Texas Shares Voter Data With Justice Department Amid Concerns