Story perspectives

DOJ Appeals for Access to Michigan Voter Rolls Amid Resistance

3/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Department of Justice filed an emergency appeal in Michigan to obtain access to state voter registration rolls, aiming to enforce federal law and deter noncitizen voting.
Michigan's lawyers say the DOJ's urgency is unwarranted and note a 90-day blackout before elections would limit any impact.
Idaho has refused the DOJ's demands, citing privacy concerns and recent court rulings that challenge the DOJ's legal basis, reflecting bipartisan resistance.

History

Historical Context

The Voting Rights Act of 1965, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, aimed to eliminate racial discrimination in voting, resulting in over 250,000 new Black voters registered by the end of that year. However, the 2013 Supreme Court ruling in Shelby County v. Holder invalidated key provisions, leading to increased voter suppression efforts in several states, highlighting ongoing challenges in ensuring equitable voting access.

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Story summary

The Department of Justice filed an emergency appeal in Michigan to obtain access to state voter registration rolls, aiming to enforce federal law and deter noncitizen voting.
Michigan's lawyers say the DOJ's urgency is unwarranted and note a 90-day blackout before elections would limit any impact.
Idaho has refused the DOJ's demands, citing privacy concerns and recent court rulings that challenge the DOJ's legal basis, reflecting bipartisan resistance.

1 / 2