The Delaware Department of Elections (DDOE) recently published a series of demands from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) requesting information on Delaware voter registration records and registration procedures — including sensitive personal information protected under federal and Delaware Law. In response, DDOE has answered many of DOJ’s concerns regarding voter registration procedures and has, to this point, denied the requests for the registration records, including personal information, such as driver’s license numbers and partial social security numbers. DDOE has maintained that it will not provide this information unless its concerns regarding the legality of the requests are met.
Public copies of DOJ communications and DDOE responses can be found here: https://elections.delaware.gov/public/notices.shtml
The following statement can be attributed to the Delaware Voting Rights Coalition:
“The Delaware Voting Rights Coalition (DVRC) commends our State Election Commissioner, Anthony Albence, and DDOE officials for their continued commitment to protecting voter privacy rights guaranteed under federal and state law and ensuring Delaware voters are afforded transparency and accountability.
The DOJ’s requests for sensitive personal information on voters are unprecedented and unfounded. What we’re witnessing is deeply troubling: the Trump administration is weaponizing the immense power of the federal government to cast doubt on the integrity of our elections and target historically marginalized voters.
This is bigger than political disagreement. Our coalition will push back against attacks on the right to vote because protecting our democracy isn’t a partisan issue — it’s an American imperative. The freedom to cast our ballots safely and securely without fear of government retribution due to who we are or how we vote is a vital part of any well-functioning democracy.
We applaud DDOE for the steps taken thus far and call on State Commissioner Albence and DDOE officials to continue to take firm action to protect Delawareans’ sensitive personal information — no matter who is in office. DDOE’s efforts thus far ensure every eligible Delawarean can register and exercise their right to vote freely and fairly.
The Delaware Voting Rights Coalition is Delaware's first statewide coalition of voting rights organizations and advocates. We empower communities, especially communities of color, people who speak English as a second language, people involved in the justice system, people with disabilities, and young people, to identify and remedy barriers to the ballot box.
To learn more about the Delaware Voting Rights Coalition, visit aclu-de.org/dvrc.
