Judge Blocks Federal Attempt to Access California Voter Data

A federal judge dismissed the DOJ's lawsuit against California demanding voter data, citing it as unprecedented and illegal. The attempt to centralize data was viewed as a threat to voter registration and democracy. California, among other states, resisted the Trump administration's efforts to access private voter details.

A federal judge has thrown out a U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit seeking access to detailed voting records from California's 23 million registered voters. The judge deemed the request unprecedented and illegal, marking a significant blow to the Trump administration's push for extensive voter data investigations.

In a comprehensive 33-page decision, U.S. District Judge David O. Carter highlighted the constitutional boundaries of election authority. He emphasized that the federal government cannot assume control over election processes without Congressional intervention, insisting on fair and free electoral practices.

California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, alongside other state officials, defended the state's election protocol against federal overreach. The DOJ's efforts, involving lawsuits against several states, have raised fears about voter privacy and data misuse, particularly concerning potential data sharing with the Department of Homeland Security.

(With inputs from agencies.)