Story perspectives

Judge Dismisses DOJ's Voter Data Lawsuit, Cites Privacy

1/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Judge David O. Carter dismissed Department of Justice's (DOJ) lawsuit during President Donald Trump's administration seeking California's voter registration data, citing privacy concerns and lack of legal authority.
Carter said the DOJ's data-centralization plan threatens voter rights and could deter election participation.
The ruling followed a similar decision in Oregon and signals broader state resistance.
Appeals are expected, as the court noted the need for public debate and congressional authorization.

History

Historical Context

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 aimed to eliminate racial discrimination in voting, leading to over 800,000 African Americans registering by 1967. However, the 2013 Supreme Court ruling in Shelby County v. Holder invalidated the preclearance requirement, enabling states to enact restrictive voting laws. This ongoing struggle highlights the tension between federal oversight and state voting rights, impacting voter access today.

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Story summary

Judge David O. Carter dismissed Department of Justice's (DOJ) lawsuit during President Donald Trump's administration seeking California's voter registration data, citing privacy concerns and lack of legal authority.
Carter said the DOJ's data-centralization plan threatens voter rights and could deter election participation.
The ruling followed a similar decision in Oregon and signals broader state resistance.
Appeals are expected, as the court noted the need for public debate and congressional authorization.

1 / 2