Oklahoma State Election Board Refuses DOJ Voter Records Request

Oklahoma State Election Board Refuses DOJ Voter Records Request

The Oklahoma State Election Board is refusing a request from the U.S. Department of Justice to turn over sensitive voter data, citing state law protections that prevent the release of private information including driver’s license numbers and Social Security numbers.

The dispute centers on a federal effort to review voter rolls in multiple states.

DOJ Requests Oklahoma Voter Records

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) began contacting states last summer requesting access to voter roll data. According to federal officials, the information is needed to ensure compliance with federal election laws and maintain election security standards under the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA).

However, the Oklahoma State Election Board says state law clearly prohibits sharing certain personal identifying information.

Under Oklahoma statutes governing voter records, driver’s license numbers and Social Security numbers are confidential and not subject to public release. Election officials maintain that turning over that data would violate Oklahoma privacy protections.

Oklahoma Law Limits Data Sharing

Oklahoma election procedures are governed by state statute and overseen by the Oklahoma State Election Board, which maintains voter registration records and administers elections statewide.

While some voter information is publicly accessible, protected data fields remain confidential under state law. The board says it is willing to comply with lawful requests but will not release information prohibited by Oklahoma statute.

Election security efforts nationwide have increased in recent years, with oversight authority shared between state election officials and federal agencies such as the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.

Federal-State Tension Over Election Oversight

The conflict highlights ongoing tension between federal oversight responsibilities and state control of elections. Under the U.S. Constitution, states administer elections, while federal agencies enforce compliance with federal election laws.

The DOJ has argued that access to voter roll data helps maintain election integrity. Oklahoma officials counter that privacy laws must be upheld.

For now, the Oklahoma State Election Board stands firm in its refusal to release private voter data.

🔴 MORE RADIO NEWS