A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) seeking access to Michigan’s complete electronic voter list, which included unredacted sensitive personal information such as full dates of birth, driver’s license numbers, social security numbers, and personal identification card numbers.
Judge Hala Jarbou of the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan granted the motion to dismiss filed by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on behalf of the Michigan Department of State and the State of Michigan.
“The Trump administration attempted to unlawfully force Michigan into handing over private, sensitive information of millions of voters with no legal basis, and I am relieved that the Court dismissed this case,” said Attorney General Nessel. “We will not be bullied into violating the privacy rights of residents, and my office will continue to protect the personal data of Michiganders.”
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson commented on the ruling: “This ruling is a victory for the citizens of Michigan and the rule of law. Once again, a federal judge has blocked this administration from abusing their authority and attempting to illegally intimidate state officials into handing over citizens’ personal information. Today’s decision affirms that the law is on our side. I urge state election officials across the country to stand up to the federal government’s overreach and to safeguard citizens’ private voting information we’ve been entrusted to protect. I will never stop fighting any effort that threatens the rights and privacy of Michigan’s voters.”
The DOJ based its request on several federal laws—the Civil Rights Act of 1960 (CRA), National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), and Help America Vote Act (HAVA)—claiming entitlement to Michigan’s unredacted voter records. Judge Jarbou rejected these arguments, stating that HAVA does not require disclosure of voter records, that Michigan’s electronic voter list does not qualify as a list maintenance record under NVRA provisions, and that it is not considered a paper or record within an election official’s possession as defined by CRA requirements.
Attorney General Dana Nessel serves as Michigan’s 54th attorney general according to information from the official website. The office advances public service initiatives throughout Michigan including actions against human trafficking and support for vulnerable populations (source). As chief legal office in the state, it addresses key community needs such as consumer complaints management and crime victim support (source).
The Department also played a role in drafting legislation like the Clean Slate law in 2019 aimed at expanding expungement opportunities (source). Its efforts are focused on protecting residents statewide through various programs addressing social impact issues such as combating scams and responding to data breaches (source).
