The Justice Department has taken significant action to address compliance issues with voter registration in several states. Today, it announced the filing of federal lawsuits against four jurisdictions: the District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, and Wisconsin. These jurisdictions allegedly failed to provide their complete voter registration lists upon request.
Overview of Lawsuits Filed
This action marks a notable increase in the Justice Department’s efforts, bringing the total number of lawsuits related to voter registration to 22 nationwide. The lawsuits are part of a broader initiative to ensure transparency and integrity in election processes.
Compliance Update from Other States
In a positive development, three states—Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee—announced their intention to voluntarily provide their full voter registration lists. This brings the total number of states either compliant or in the process of compliance to 10.
Statements from the Justice Department
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon emphasized the legal obligation of states to furnish this critical information. “The law is clear: states need to give us this information, so we can do our duty to protect American citizens from vote dilution,” Dhillon stated.
Legal Framework Supporting Enforcement
The lawsuits rely on the authority granted to the Attorney General by Congress. Under the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), the Attorney General is charged with ensuring effective voter registration and maintenance programs. Additionally, the Civil Rights Act of 1960 empowers the Justice Department to demand access to statewide voter registration lists for analysis.
- Lawsuits Filed Against:
- District of Columbia
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Wisconsin
- States Compliant or in Process: 10
- Recent Volunteer States:
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Tennessee
- Total Lawsuits Nationwide: 22
The Justice Department’s firm stance on the matter underlines its commitment to safeguarding election integrity, regardless of the political affiliations of the states involved.
