Story perspectives

DOJ Faces Pushback on Voter Data Requests from States

2/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Department of Justice's requests for confidential voter registration data have met resistance from Republican election officials who cite state privacy laws.
West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner and others rejected the DOJ requests, noting states may provide redacted lists but will not share sensitive information.
The DOJ has sued 25 states to compel compliance, but a Michigan ruling dismissed that suit, reinforcing states’ rights to manage voter rolls.

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Story summary

The Department of Justice's requests for confidential voter registration data have met resistance from Republican election officials who cite state privacy laws.
West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner and others rejected the DOJ requests, noting states may provide redacted lists but will not share sensitive information.
The DOJ has sued 25 states to compel compliance, but a Michigan ruling dismissed that suit, reinforcing states’ rights to manage voter rolls.