Judge Rules Against DOJ in Georgia Voter Data Lawsuit
In a decisive legal victory for Georgia, a federal judge has ruled against the Department of Justice’s attempt to obtain an unredacted copy of the state’s voter registration list. The ruling underscores the ongoing debate over voter privacy and compliance with federal laws.
U.S. District Judge Victoria Marie Calvert determined that existing federal laws, specifically the National Voter Registration Act and the Help America Vote Act, do not obligate states to release sensitive voter information. This information includes Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and dates of birth.
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who defended the state’s position, emphasized his commitment to safeguarding personal data. “I will always protect the sensitive personal information of Georgians, in accordance with the law and the Constitution,” Raffensperger stated in a press release. “I will not give in and break the law for anyone. Period.”
The Department of Justice had been pursuing access to this data since 2025, with each attempt, including the most recent, resulting in dismissal. Judge Calvert’s ruling granted the state’s motion to dismiss and refused the federal government’s request to compel the production of records.
Raffensperger remarked on the state’s ongoing collaboration with federal authorities but highlighted the importance of adhering to legal standards. “Georgia has worked with our federal partners and will continue to do so, but cooperation does not mean ignoring the law or surrendering the privacy rights of Georgia voters,” he said. “We stood our ground because the law was clear, and we are thankful the Court agreed.”
Voter registration or information updates in Georgia for the upcoming November election must be completed by Monday, October 5.
