The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for April 22, 2026
A federal judge dismissed a U.S. Department of Justice demand that Rhode Island turn over its voter data, including sensitive personal information. April 17th’s decision is the fifth such defeat for the Trump DOJ.
Rhode Island is among 30 states sued by DOJ in 2025 after refusing to turn over the voting and personal data of its citizens. The data demanded included Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and voter history. The data was to be combined with the Trump administration’s SAVE Database, intended to prevent extremely rare instances of noncitizen voting.
The ACLU and Common Cause sued, arguing that turning over such data would violate federal privacy and free speech protections, that states have constitutional jurisdiction over election administration, and that the DOJ had not met the federal statutory requirements to investigate the data.
April 17th, U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy agreed, QUOTE, “Neither the National Voter Registration Act nor Help America Vote Act authorize DOJ to conduct the kind of fishing expedition it seeks here.” Her conclusion echos dismissals in Massachusetts, Michigan, Oregon and California.
Two dozen cases remain pending. Twelve other states complied with the Trump administration’s request.
We’ve linked to the Rhode Island decision and more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org, I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
U.S. Department of Justice – Justice Department Sues Six Additional States for Failure to Provide Voter Registration Rolls
U.S District Court for Rhode Island – (December 2025) DOJ Complaint Demanding Voter Data
U.S District Court for Rhode Island (Via ACLU RI) – April 17 MEMORANDUM AND ORDER
ACLU Statement – Judge blocks Trump Administration’s attempt to access Rhode Islanders’ data
The Hill – Judge rejects DOJ push for Rhode Island voter information
Brennan Center for Justice – Tracker of Justice Department Requests for Voter Information
Related ADM Reports:
American Democracy Minute – Federal Circuit Courts Block Trump DOJ from Obtaining California and Oregon Voter Data
American Democracy Minute – Class Action Suit by Voters Claims Personal Data Shared to the Trump Administration’s SAVE Database Violates the Privacy Act of 1974
Groups Taking Action:
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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