DOJ sues Oklahoma over voter registration records dispute

DOJ lawsuit targets Oklahoma voter registration records dispute

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has sued Oklahoma, claiming the state is unlawfully refusing to provide full, unredacted voter registration records—including sensitive identifiers such as Social Security numbers and driver’s license numbers.

Oklahoma election officials say releasing that confidential data would violate Oklahoma law and voter privacy protections, adding they’ve already provided all records that are legally public.

Why the DOJ says voter registration records must be unredacted

Federal attorneys argue they have authority under the Civil Rights Act of 1960 to demand election-related documentation and verify compliance with federal election integrity requirements. The DOJ says reviewing complete voter registration records is necessary to confirm states are properly maintaining voter rolls and following federal rules.

More on the federal lawsuit and the DOJ’s position can be found through the U.S. Department of Justice.

Oklahoma says state law protects private voter data

State election officials counter that unredacted voter registration records include personal information that Oklahoma statutes protect from public release. They argue turning over full Social Security numbers and driver’s license data could expose voters to identity theft and other harms.

Oklahoma officials say they have produced everything required under existing public records standards.

Information on Oklahoma election administration and voter records guidance is available from the Oklahoma State Election Board.

National election oversight fight expands

This lawsuit is part of a broader conflict between federal oversight and state control of election systems, with reports indicating the DOJ has pursued similar actions against multiple states over access to complete voter registration records.

While the Oklahoma State Election Board has resisted releasing confidential identifiers, the Oklahoma Attorney General has indicated a willingness to cooperate as the case proceeds.

Background on election record retention requirements is outlined in the Civil Rights Act of 1960.

🔴 MORE RADIO NEWS