NAACP Wins Major Privacy Victory as Federal Court Dismisses DOJ Demand for Voter Data in Nevada

CONTACT: communications@naacpnet.org

 

WASHINGTON — The NAACP celebrates another significant legal victory after the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada dismissed a Department of Justice lawsuit attempting to force the state to produce unredacted voter rolls information containing sensitive personal data.

 

Through its Order, this federal court joins others by granting the motions to dismiss and denying the federal government's motion to compel. The ruling marks another decisive rejection of the federal administration's nationwide push to secure private voter files across 30 states and Washington, D.C.

 

The NAACP Tri-State Conference of Idaho, Nevada, and Utah intervened in the case to protect community members from federal overreach and safeguard sensitive identifying data, including full names, dates of birth, residential addresses, driver's license numbers, and Social Security numbers.

 

"This ruling sends a crystal-clear message that the private, sensitive personal information of voters is not up for grabs," said Kristen Clarke, General Counsel of the NAACP. "We intervened to ensure that voters in our communities can participate in the democratic process without fear of government overreach or exposure of their personal data. We are proud to have stopped this unlawful invasion of voter privacy."

 

The court held that federal law does not compel state election officials to surrender unredacted statewide voter lists created by state government authorities and noted that the Justice Department failed to establish a sufficient factual basis or purpose for its demand.

 

The NAACP remains vigilant in litigating across the nation to safeguard voter privacy and ensure equal access to the ballot box for all marginalized communities.

 

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.