PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Ten Democratic secretaries of state are demanding more clarity from the Trump administration regarding its wide-ranging requests for state voter registration lists. Concerns are growing that the federal agencies may mislead the public and mishandle personal data, potentially entering it into instruments used for U.S. citizenship verification.
In a letter directed to Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, they voiced ‘immense concern’ over reports suggesting that the Justice Department has been sharing voter information with the Department of Homeland Security. The secretaries emphasized the need for information about how this data will be processed, shared, and secured.
The controversial requests have already sparked disputes between Democratic states and the Republican administration, particularly with the 2026 midterm elections approaching. At least 26 states, including some governed by Republicans, have been targeted for this detailed voter data, and the Justice Department has resorted to lawsuits against eight states to obtain this information. In parallel, voting rights groups are contesting these requests, fearing that restrictive measures may lead to unlawful voter purges.
Some states have opted to send redacted versions of their publicly available voter lists or simply declined the requests, citing state laws and lack of compliance with federal privacy obligations. Notably, the Justice Department has explicitly sought copies including personal information, such as voter names and Social Security numbers.
In the letter, the secretaries pointed out instances of contradictory information shared during meetings set up by the National Association of Secretaries of State. While a Justice Department official indicated that the data would be used to ensure compliance with federal voting regulations, a corresponding official from the Department of Homeland Security later stated that they had received such data, contradicting earlier claims.
The ongoing disagreements and controversies suggest a significant battle over voter data collection and security as the nation heads into critical elections. The letter insists on receiving clarification by December 1, pressing for answers on whether federal agencies intend to use this data for purposes beyond voter list verification, including its potential implications for voter integrity.
