The acting head of the Justice Department’s voting section told a federal judge the agency had not used collected nonpublic voter roll data. This statement was incorrect.
Officials have accessed and analyzed that data. The admission came during a hearing for a lawsuit concerning voter intimidation in Arizona.
The case involves monitoring drop boxes during the 2022 midterm elections. The DOJ’s use of this data contradicts its previous court assurances.
This voter information is typically shielded from public disclosure. Its use by federal authorities raises significant legal and privacy questions.
The discrepancy centers on the interpretation of “use.” The department argued its analysis did not constitute the type of use it had pledged to avoid.
Legal experts say the distinction is misleading. They argue any handling of the data for investigative purposes violates the spirit of the court agreement.
The judge has requested further clarification from the Justice Department. The outcome could influence future guidelines on federal access to state voter data.
