Today, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division announced significant legal actions against the States of Arizona and Connecticut. These federal lawsuits have been initiated due to both states' failure to produce their complete voter registration lists upon request. This important development marks a substantial increase in the Justice Department's efforts, bringing the total number of states involved in such lawsuits to 23, alongside the District of Columbia.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the seriousness of these lawsuits, stating, “This Department of Justice has now sued 23 states for failing to provide voter roll data and will continue filing lawsuits to protect American elections.” She highlighted that accurate voter rolls are essential for maintaining election integrity. Bondi warned that any state neglecting its obligation to transparency in voter registration can expect legal repercussions.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon, representing the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, reiterated the critical nature of accurate voter rolls. “Accurate voter rolls are essential to ensuring that American citizens’ votes count only once, and only with other eligible voters,” Dhillon stated. She further affirmed the Justice Department’s commitment to preserving fair and free elections, insisting that states will be held accountable for non-compliance with federal election laws.
The lawsuits underscore the Attorney General's unique responsibility, as mandated by Congress, for enforcing the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). These laws were established to ensure that states maintain effective voter registration and list maintenance programs. Additionally, the Attorney General can invoke the Civil Rights Act of 1960 (CRA) to demand the production, inspection, and analysis of statewide voter registration lists.
As the Justice Department continues its legal actions against states that fail to comply with voter registration laws, it sends a clear message about the importance of maintaining voter list integrity. The commitment to uphold the rights of American citizens in the electoral process remains a top priority, ensuring that every eligible vote is counted accurately and fairly.