Federal Judge Dismisses DOJ Lawsuit Against Massachusetts Over Voter Data Request

U.S. Department of Justice against Secretary of State William F. Galvin on Thursday. The DOJ had sued Galvin in December after he refused to turn over voter registration data, including driver's license numbers, home addresses, and partial Social Security numbers for millions of people.

The case is part of broader DOJ efforts to obtain voter information from states. Judge Leo Sorokin ruled that the DOJ did not sufficiently explain its legal right to the information. Sorokin agreed with Massachusetts' argument that the DOJ failed to specify its legal basis or purpose for the demand.

He described the DOJ's request as facially deficient because it provided no basis for seeking the records.

The DOJ sent letters to Galvin in July and August requesting data from Massachusetts' electronic statewide voter registration list.

Galvin's office informed federal officials that it would not comply. The DOJ then filed lawsuits against Massachusetts, Colorado, Hawaii, and Nevada at the same time. D.C. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, the DOJ sued at least 30 states that refused to provide the information.

These efforts build on previous attempts by groups to access voter rolls. Federal judges dismissed DOJ lawsuits against California and Oregon in January. In those cases, the DOJ claimed the federal government was entitled to voter information.

The DOJ has appealed dismissals in California, Michigan, and Oregon, according to the Brennan Center.

Attorney General Andrea Campbell, whose office represented Galvin, issued a statement following the ruling.

“Today’s ruling is a decisive win for Massachusetts voters and the rule of law.”