Full Breakdown
Nebraska and Michigan Courts Address Voter Data Requests from the Justice Department
2/12/2026, 10:35:27 AM
Nebraska's Compliance with Federal Requests
Nebraska's Secretary of State Bob Evnen announced plans to provide sensitive voter data to the U.S. Justice Department after the Nebraska Supreme Court denied a legal effort to block the release. This decision follows a lawsuit from the nonprofit organization Common Cause, which argued that the release of personal information, including dates of birth, addresses, and partial Social Security numbers, poses a significant risk to voter privacy. Evnen stated that the data is being provided to ensure compliance with federal voting laws, as advised by the Nebraska Attorney General's office. He emphasized his commitment to protecting voters' personally identifiable information, although he acknowledged uncertainty regarding the security of the data once released.
Michigan's Legal Rejection of DOJ's Requests
In contrast, a federal judge in Michigan dismissed a lawsuit from the Justice Department seeking access to the state's voter registration data. U.S. District Judge Hala Jarbou ruled that federal laws, including the Help America Vote Act, the National Voter Registration Act, and the Civil Rights Act, do not mandate the disclosure of such sensitive information. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson expressed relief at the ruling, asserting that it protects the privacy rights of voters and prevents federal overreach. This dismissal aligns with similar rulings in Oregon and California, where courts have blocked the Justice Department's attempts to obtain voter rolls.
Broader Implications and Concerns
The Justice Department's push for voter data is part of a broader initiative to ensure election security and maintain accurate voter rolls, as stated by officials. However, critics, including Democratic leaders and voting advocacy groups, argue that these requests violate state and federal privacy laws and could lead to misuse of sensitive information. Concerns have been raised about potential implications for voter rights, particularly regarding the targeting of noncitizens and the risk of wrongful voter roll purges.
Official Statements & Responses
Secretary of State Bob Evnen of Nebraska stated, “The only thing I'm positive of is that the sun won't catch in a tree when it sets tonight,” when questioned about the security of the data. Meanwhile, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel remarked, “We will not be bullied into violating the privacy rights of residents,” emphasizing the state's commitment to safeguarding voter information.
Criticism & Opposition
Common Cause has been vocal in its opposition to the release of voter data, arguing that it could lead to significant harm to voters' privacy. Gavin Geis, Executive Director of Common Cause Nebraska, stated, “We believe in the merits of this case, and we will exhaust every option to protect voters.” Additionally, Democratic officials have criticized the Justice Department's actions as an overreach, asserting that they threaten the integrity of state-administered elections.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Nebraska is set to comply with the Justice Department's request, Michigan's courts have consistently rejected similar demands. The differing outcomes highlight a contentious legal landscape regarding voter data access, with ongoing debates about privacy, security, and the federal government's role in state elections. The Justice Department has filed lawsuits against at least 24 states, raising questions about the future of voter data management in the U.S.
