In fight with DOJ over voting roll access, Michigan may be poised to go the distance

March 15, 2026

The U.S. Department of Justice is appealing federal court decisions in multiple states that refused to share unredacted voter registration databases, with Michigan's case potentially positioned to reach the Supreme Court first. Michigan and other states declined to provide personally identifying information like Social Security numbers, citing privacy and statutory concerns, leading the DOJ to sue 29 states and the District of Columbia. A federal judge dismissed the Michigan lawsuit last month, but the DOJ quickly appealed and secured a partially expedited review schedule in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Who is affected

Michigan voters and residents whose personal data is at issue
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel
29 states and the District of Columbia that have been sued by the DOJ
Specifically Oregon and California, which also face similar appeals
The U.S. Department of Justice
Sixth Circuit and Ninth Circuit federal courts

What action is being taken

The DOJ has appeals underway in Michigan, Oregon, and California
The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals is processing the Michigan appeal with briefs due at the end of March and mid-April
Michigan officials are defending their decision not to share unredacted voter rolls

Why it matters

This case could establish important precedents regarding the balance between federal oversight of election integrity and state protection of voter privacy rights. The outcome may determine whether the federal government can compel states to share sensitive personal information from voter databases, potentially affecting how election security and voter list maintenance are conducted nationwide. If the case reaches the Supreme Court, it could set binding legal standards for all states regarding federal access to voter registration data.

What's next

Briefs in the Michigan appeal are due toward the end of March and in mid-April
The case could potentially advance to the U.S. Supreme Court, particularly if circuit courts issue conflicting rulings
Michigan officials have vowed to continue protecting voter data and fighting the DOJ's demands

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com