Rhode Island Voter Data Lawsuit Dismissed

A federal judge, Mary McElroy, dismissed a lawsuit filed by the United States — United States Department of Justice against United States — Rhode Island, which sought detailed voter data including dates of birth, addresses, driver's license numbers, and partial Social Security numbers. The judge ruled that federal law does not permit such a 'fishing expedition.' This decision follows similar rulings in other states like United States — California, United States — Massachusetts State Police, United States — Michigan, and United States — Oregon, where judges also rejected the United States — United States Department of Justice's attempts to obtain this data. United States — Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore criticized the United States — United States Department of Justice's actions as constitutional overreaches. Concerns were also raised that the data could be shared with the United States — United States Department of Homeland Security to check citizenship status. While some states have provided the data, many, including United States — Rhode Island, have resisted, citing privacy concerns.