Pennsylvania Election Chief Resists Federal Demands for Voter Data

Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt is preparing for the November 3 midterm elections while resisting federal demands for private voter data. Schmidt, a Republican serving under a Democratic governor, recently declined requests from the United States Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for the state's voter rolls, which include Social Security and driver's license numbers. He cited legal and security grounds for the refusal.

Following this decision, the United States Department of Justice informed Schmidt that he is under criminal investigation. Schmidt claims this letter was sent to every secretary of state who denied the federal demand. He also dismissed federal allegations that 14,000 noncitizen voters are registered in Pennsylvania, characterizing the claims as being based on unreliable data.

Schmidt's current efforts to secure the election include conducting tabletop exercises with the Pennsylvania State Police, the National Guard, and various counties. These preparations follow a history of conflict with Donald Trump, including graphic threats against Schmidt's family after the 2020 election that required protection from the Philadelphia Police Department.