Trump Admin Requests Voter Data from Illinois

The U.S. Department of Justice has asked the Illinois State Board of Elections to share voter registration data and documentation showing how the state keeps its voter rolls up to date. The request, sent last week, is part of a larger federal effort to review state compliance with the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), which requires states to maintain accurate registration lists.

The letter, sent by the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, asks for access to Illinois’ voter registration database, including basic information like names, dates of birth, and addresses—details typically used to verify eligibility. It also seeks records showing how local election officials have removed ineligible voters in the two years leading up to the 2024 general election.

In Illinois, updating and maintaining voter rolls is handled at the local level by county clerks and election authorities. Their responsibilities include processing voter registration updates and removing individuals who have moved, passed away, or are otherwise no longer eligible to vote.

The federal request comes at a time when Illinois is already facing a lawsuit over its voter registration practices. The lawsuit argues that the state should play a more active, centralized role in managing voter rolls. The Justice Department recently filed a statement of interest in that case, emphasizing that states must ultimately ensure compliance with federal laws, even when day-to-day responsibilities are handled locally.

The Illinois State Board of Elections has not released a public statement about the DOJ’s request. However, local election officials across the state continue to emphasize the importance of transparency, accuracy, and public confidence in the election process.

This request is one of several the federal government has sent to states as part of a wider review of voter registration systems nationwide. As legal proceedings continue, election officials in Illinois remain focused on maintaining clean, up-to-date records and ensuring the integrity of elections.