Judge Blocks DOJ Demand for Vermont Voter Rolls

United States District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier dismissed a lawsuit brought by the United States Department of Justice against Vermont, ruling that the state is not required to hand over its voter rolls to the federal government. The Department of Justice had demanded unredacted records, including Social Security numbers, driver's licenses, dates of birth, and home addresses, claiming the data was necessary to ensure state compliance.

Sarah Copeland Hanzas, the Vermont Secretary of State, and Attorney General Clark had refused the request to protect voter privacy. The court found that the Department of Justice lacked a lawful purpose or factual basis for the demand. Judge Lanthier further determined that Title III of the Civil Rights Act of 1960 does not authorize the federal government to demand complete voter lists.

This ruling follows similar legal actions taken by the Department of Justice against at least 14 states. Following the decision, Sarah Copeland Hanzas stated that the ruling affirms efforts to protect the privacy and voting rights of Vermonters from unlawful federal overreach.