U.S. Voter Registration Records Remain Public Under Law
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission clarifies that voter registration lists are public records, though specific privacy protections exist for high-risk individuals.
Voter registration forms and voter lists in the United States are classified as government documents subject to public records laws. This designation makes them accessible to authorized individuals and, in most states, the general public.
While the specific choices made on a ballot remain secret, public voter rolls often contain personal data. These records may include names, addresses, birthdates, genders, and phone numbers. Depending on the specific state laws, these documents can also reveal a voter's party affiliation, voting history, and the method of voting used.
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission notes that certain individuals can keep their information private for safety reasons. These protections are commonly extended to law enforcement officers, judges, certain medical professionals, other government officials, and victims of domestic violence.
