In a significant move to uphold electoral integrity, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division has filed federal lawsuits against four states: Colorado, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Nevada. These lawsuits stem from the states' failure to produce their statewide voter registration lists upon request. This action increases the nationwide total of lawsuits filed by the Justice Department to a remarkable 18.
In addition to the lawsuits against the four states, the Justice Department is also taking legal action against one locality: Fulton County, Georgia. This lawsuit pertains to the county's failure to provide necessary records related to the 2020 election. The focus on Fulton County highlights the broader commitment of the Justice Department to ensure transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon emphasized the importance of these actions, stating, “States have the statutory duty to preserve and protect their constituents from vote dilution.” She further added, “At this Department of Justice, we will not permit states to jeopardize the integrity and effectiveness of elections by refusing to abide by our federal elections laws. If states will not fulfill their duty to protect the integrity of the ballot, we will.” This statement underscores the Justice Department's commitment to enforcing federal laws related to voting rights.
The lawsuits are grounded in the enforcement of critical federal legislation, including the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). These laws were established by Congress to ensure that states maintain proper and effective voter registration and voter list maintenance programs. The Attorney General is uniquely tasked by Congress with the enforcement of these acts, underscoring the federal government's role in safeguarding the electoral process.
Additionally, the Attorney General possesses the authority granted by the Civil Rights Act of 1960 (CRA) to demand the production, inspection, and analysis of statewide voter registration lists. This legal framework empowers the Justice Department to take necessary actions to ensure compliance and protect the rights of voters across the nation.
As these lawsuits unfold, they serve as a reminder of the federal government's vigilance in ensuring that all states adhere to their responsibilities under election laws. The Justice Department's actions reflect a broader commitment to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process in the United States.