Federal Court Dismisses DOJ Lawsuit Over Washington Voter Data Access
A federal judge dismissed the DOJ lawsuit seeking Washington’s full voter registration data.
Why it matters: This ruling underscores ongoing federal-state tensions over voter data privacy, with broader implications for legal compliance and data governance in elections. It signals limits on federal access to sensitive voter information, relevant for legal teams managing election-related data requests and regulatory risks.
- Judge Kymberly Evanson dismissed the DOJ lawsuit on September 22, 2026.
- DOJ has filed lawsuits against 30 states plus D.C. for unredacted voter lists, losing 25 cases in federal courts.
- The requested voter data included sensitive information like driver’s license and partial Social Security numbers.
- Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs opposed the data demand on state privacy grounds.
On September 22, 2026, U.S. District Judge Kymberly Evanson dismissed the Department of Justice's lawsuit demanding unredacted voter registration data from Washington State. The suit was filed in December 2025 after Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs declined the request, citing state laws that protect voter privacy.
The DOJ's legal campaign aims to obtain detailed voter information from 30 states and the District of Columbia to enforce federal election statutes such as the National Voter Registration Act and the Help America Vote Act. To date, courts have dismissed 25 of these lawsuits, reflecting judicial skepticism about the DOJ’s expansive data demands.
Washington officials pointed to the sensitive nature of the requested information, which included driver’s license numbers and partial Social Security numbers. Protecting this data is a key state priority to maintain voter confidentiality and prevent misuse.
Steve Hobbs, Washington Secretary of State, stated, "Today’s decision confirms our authority to safeguard voters' private information under state law." Washington Attorney General Nick Brown emphasized the pattern of judicial rulings against the DOJ, noting the department's consistent setbacks in federal courts.
Renata O’Donnell, Senior Legal Counsel at the Campaign Legal Center, described the ruling as "an important affirmation of voter privacy rights and the limits of federal authority in election administration." This case highlights the ongoing legal debate over balancing federal oversight with state data protections.
By the numbers:
- 30 states and D.C. sued by DOJ for voter data
- 25 lawsuits dismissed by federal courts to date
- September 22, 2026 — date of Judge Evanson’s ruling
Yes, but: While these rulings limit DOJ’s access to voter data, federal officials assert that such data is critical for election integrity investigations, indicating the legal dispute will likely continue in other forums.
What's next: Additional lawsuits regarding voter data requests from remaining states are expected, with monitoring of court responses essential for legal professionals managing election compliance.