Federal Judge Dismisses DOJ Lawsuit Against Maine Secretary of State Over Voter Data

U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit against Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows on Thursday. The suit, filed in September, alleged that Maine violated federal election laws by refusing to turn over voter data including names, driver's license numbers, partial Social Security numbers, and dates of birth. S.

District Judge Lance Walker granted Bellows' motion to dismiss. Walker stated that the requests would require turning a blind eye to traditional practices of federalism in American elections.

Bellows rejected the DOJ request in August after the department did not explain how it planned to use the data. She filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit in December. The DOJ has sued 30 states for refusing to turn over unredacted voter rolls. Similar lawsuits have been dismissed in Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Michigan, Oregon, and Rhode Island, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Bellows said the ruling affirms that states, not the federal government, are in charge of elections. She added that she will continue to defend Mainers' voting rights and privacy. The DOJ has not publicly commented on the dismissal. Fox News Digital contacted the DOJ and the Maine secretary of state's office for additional comment.