Trump-Appointed Judge Dismisses DOJ Bid for Voter Records
Summary
A judge appointed by President Donald Trump dismissed a Justice Department lawsuit seeking Rhode Island's detailed voter records. The judge ruled that federal law does not allow the Justice Department to demand sensitive voter information from states without a clear legal reason.Key Facts
- The lawsuit was filed by the Justice Department during President Trump's administration to get voter data like birth dates, addresses, and partial Social Security numbers from Rhode Island.
- U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy, nominated by President Trump, sided with Rhode Island election officials and civil rights groups.
- The judge said the lawsuit was a “fishing expedition” not allowed under federal election law.
- The Justice Department wants the data to check voter citizenship and ensure election integrity.
- Many states and privacy advocates oppose releasing this data, citing privacy laws.
- Similar lawsuits filed by the Justice Department in California, Massachusetts, Michigan, Oregon, and Georgia have also been dismissed by courts.
- The judge found no evidence that Rhode Island failed to maintain its voter list properly as required by federal law.
- The Justice Department declined to comment on the ongoing case.
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