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Federal Court Blocks DOJ's Voter Database Access Request

1/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

The federal court dismissed the U.S. Department of Justice's lawsuit seeking access to California's voter registration database, under U.S. President Donald Trump.
U.S. District Judge David O. Carter said the DOJ's move to centralize voter data could deter voter registration and turnout, especially among historically disenfranchised groups.
The court found no justification for the government's intrusive demand and noted the case could be appealed, potentially reaching the Supreme Court.

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Story summary

The federal court dismissed the U.S. Department of Justice's lawsuit seeking access to California's voter registration database, under U.S. President Donald Trump.
U.S. District Judge David O. Carter said the DOJ's move to centralize voter data could deter voter registration and turnout, especially among historically disenfranchised groups.
The court found no justification for the government's intrusive demand and noted the case could be appealed, potentially reaching the Supreme Court.