Padilla, Peters File Amicus Brief Opposing Trump Administration’s Illegal Ploy to Purge Voter Rolls

October 30, 2025

Two Democratic senators have filed a legal brief supporting a lawsuit against the Trump Administration's expansion of a Department of Homeland Security program to verify voter citizenship. The administration has modified the SAVE program, originally designed to check immigration status for benefits eligibility, to screen state voter rolls for potential non-citizen voters without properly notifying Congress or conducting required privacy assessments. Over 33 million voters' information has already been processed through this system, which experts warn could incorrectly flag eligible voters, particularly those born before 1978 or naturalized citizens.

Who is affected

More than 33 million voters whose information has been run through the expanded SAVE system
Eligible American voters at risk of disenfranchisement or wrongful prosecution
Americans born before 1978 and naturalized citizens (specifically vulnerable to errors)
At least 38 states that received DOJ inquiry letters about voter maintenance practices
Eight states facing lawsuits, including California and Michigan
State governments being pressured to provide voter registration data
Congress (denied proper notification and oversight)

What action is being taken

Senators Padilla and Peters are filing an amicus brief supporting the lawsuit
The League of Women Voters and other plaintiffs are pursuing a motion for a stay and preliminary injunction
DHS and SSA are running state voter roll information through the expanded SAVE program
DHS is actively advertising and encouraging states to use the overhauled SAVE program for voter verification
DOJ is sending inquiry letters to states and filing lawsuits against states refusing to provide voter data
Several states have begun running tens of millions of voter files through the expanded system

Why it matters

This matters because it involves fundamental issues of voting rights, privacy protections, and constitutional separation of powers. The expanded SAVE program operates without proper legal authority, congressional oversight, or adequate safeguards against errors that could wrongly disenfranchise eligible voters or lead to unjust prosecutions. The collection of sensitive personal information on tens of millions of Americans—including Social Security numbers, addresses, and voting history—violates privacy laws and First Amendment protections. Furthermore, the federal government's attempt to create a national voter database exceeds executive authority, as Congress holds constitutional power over voter registration laws, not the President.

What's next

Senator Padilla and Congresswoman Joyce Beatty have announced the Voter Purge Protection Act to prevent the Trump Administration's voter purge efforts, including by prohibiting removal of individuals from voter rolls due to changes in residence or not voting in previous elections. The lawsuit (League of Women Voters v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security) will proceed with consideration of the plaintiffs' motion for a stay and preliminary injunction.

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint