Nebraska Attorney General Supports DOJ’s Voter Data Request Amid Legal Challenges

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has requested voter data from the state of Nebraska, including sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and driver’s license numbers. The federal agency claims the data is necessary to investigate and prevent voter fraud. This request has sparked a legal battle between the state and a voting rights group that is challenging the release of the information.

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers has publicly stated that the DOJ’s request is “well within bounds.” At a recent news conference, he emphasized that the information being sought is lawful and within the parameters of existing regulations. However, he also acknowledged the concerns of Nebraskans regarding the privacy of their personal data.

“I think the information that the Department of Justice is seeking is well within bounds. It’s well within the law,” Hilgers said. “Certainly, I’m sensitive to the concerns of Nebraskans about their own personal information. It’s one that we all need to take into account. Having said that, we are in active litigation, and we have a Nebraska case going on, and we’ll see what the court has to say.”

Hilgers also addressed the broader issue of voter fraud, noting that it is a significant concern across the country. He referenced a known case in Nebraska to illustrate his point, highlighting the need for vigilance in safeguarding the electoral process.

State Officials Take a Defensive Stance

Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen, who received the DOJ’s request, has taken a cautious approach. He has forwarded the letter to the attorney general’s office for legal guidance and has stated that no data will be released until the ongoing litigation is resolved. Evnen has repeatedly emphasized that there is no widespread voter fraud in the state, echoing previous statements he has made on the matter.

“I don’t have a problem with voter fraud in Nebraska,” Evnen said. “I’d like some assurances that it’ll be used for the purposes that are stated, but I’m confident that it will be.”

Despite these assurances, privacy advocates remain concerned. The DOJ’s letter indicated that the information is subject to federal privacy protections, but this has not alleviated fears among those who believe the data could be misused or exposed.

Legal Challenge from Voting Rights Group

Common Cause Nebraska, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that advocates for voting rights, has filed a lawsuit against Evnen to block the release of the data. The group argues that the DOJ’s request violates states’ rights under the law.

Gavin Geis, the group’s executive director, stated that the U.S. Constitution grants states the power to regulate and oversee elections, not the federal government or the DOJ. He criticized the federal agency’s involvement and urged the state to take a stronger stance in protecting its voter data.

“The U.S. Constitution gives states the power to regulate and oversee elections. It does not give that power to the federal government, it does not give it to the DOJ, it doesn’t give it to the president. It gives it to the states,” Geis said.

Geis also called for greater efforts to secure voter data within the state. “I would hope they’d be open to conversations about securing our data and ensuring it doesn’t leave the state, frankly, and stays here where we manage it,” he added.

Ongoing Legal Proceedings

Evnen has not yet met with Hilgers to formally discuss the DOJ’s request but expects to do so this week. The deadline for Nebraska to respond to the DOJ was Monday, and for now, the release of voter data remains on hold as the lawsuit proceeds.

This situation highlights the growing tension between federal and state authorities over the control and protection of voter information. As the legal battle continues, the outcome could set a precedent for how similar requests are handled in other states.

Key Points of the Debate

• DOJ’s Request: Seeks voter data, including sensitive personal information, to investigate and prevent voter fraud.
• State Officials’ Response: Nebraska officials have expressed concerns about privacy but have not opposed the request outright.
• Legal Challenge: A voting rights group has filed a lawsuit to block the release of data, arguing it violates states’ rights.
• Privacy Concerns: Advocates worry that the data could be misused, despite federal privacy protections.
• Future Implications: The outcome of the case may influence how states handle similar requests in the future.

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