On September 8, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) formally requested Washington State’s complete voter registration list (VRL), including names, birthdates, residential addresses, and partial Social Security numbers. The goal being to ensure compliance with federal laws that require states to maintain accurate, up-to-date voter rolls and prevent unlawful registrations.
Washington citizens have long raised concerns about bloated rolls, non-citizen registrations, and lack of transparency. This move by the DOJ feels like long-overdue accountability but leave it to Washington State democrats…Secretary of State Steve Hobbs has refused to comply.
The DOJ’s September 8, 2025 letter cites three federal laws:
- NVRA (National Voter Registration Act): Requires states to maintain clean voter rolls and gives DOJ enforcement authority.
- HAVA (Help America Vote Act): Mandates a centralized, computerized voter list and grants DOJ exclusive oversight.
- Civil Rights Act of 1960: Requires states to retain and allow inspection of voter registration records for 22 months after a federal election.
The DOJ argues that these laws give it the right to inspect and copy full voter registration records—even sensitive data—so it can verify that only eligible voters are registered.
In his response, Secretary Hobbs refused to provide the full list, citing Washington’s privacy laws and constitutional concerns. He warned that releasing such data could lead to identity theft and erode public trust.
While Hobbs offered to collaborate with DOJ on list maintenance procedures, he drew a hard line against sharing the actual data.
The DOJ claims federal law preempts state restrictions and gives it full authority to inspect voter records. Hobbs argues that federal law doesn’t override Washington’s privacy protections.
This sets up a potential legal showdown over whether states can shield voter data from federal oversight—even when the goal is to ensure that only legal voters are registered.
Washington’s voter rolls have long raised red flags. From inactive voters to questionable registrations, the lack of transparency has fueled public concern. The DOJ’s request could be a turning point—forcing states to prove they’re following the law and protecting election integrity.
If Hobbs continues to resist, this isn’t just a bureaucratic standoff—it’s a constitutional test of whether federal agencies can enforce voter roll accountability in states that claim privacy trumps transparency. With Washington’s voter rolls already under scrutiny, this clash could shape the future of election integrity nationwide. We’ll be closely tracking every development, including any legal challenges or policy shifts that follow. Stay tuned—we’ll continue to report back with updates, analysis, and action steps for families and advocates who refuse to settle for anything less than lawful, transparent elections.
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