Common Cause, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) National Voting Rights Project, and a Virginia voter have filed a motion to intervene in the case United States of America v. Beals. The motion aims to stop the Department of Justice (DOJ) from obtaining nonpublic personal data from Virginia’s voter file.
The DOJ requested that Virginia provide voters’ full names, dates of birth, addresses, driver’s license numbers, and partial Social Security numbers. This request was made in July and included information protected by state and federal law. Virginia did not release the unredacted data. In response, the DOJ sued Susan Beals, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Elections, in January.
The groups involved argue that turning over such sensitive information could threaten voter privacy and risk disenfranchisement. They are represented by attorneys from the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation.
One of the voters joining the case is Katie Ellena, a naturalized citizen who says her background increases her risk of being targeted by federal authorities—a concern shared by many other Virginians.
“Virginia’s privacy laws are in place for a reason—to protect people and their data,” said Suzanne Almeida, Common Cause Vice President of States. “Handing personal data over to the federal government would put voters at risk and could result in eligible voters being denied their right to participate in a major election year. Common Cause is fighting to protect the rights of Virginia voters and to prevent the potential misuse of their data.”
Ari Savitzky, senior staff attorney with the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project stated: “Federal overreach of this kind threatens voters’ privacy and their fundamental right to participate in our democracy. The Department of Justice is using the civil rights statutes as pretext to try to hoover up private voter data and use it for unlawful ends. Voters’ rights are at stake, and their voices must be heard.”
Maryam Jazini Dorcheh, Senior Director of Litigation at Common Cause added: “Voters in Virginia, and all voters, rightly expect the government to keep their personal information secure and only use it for its intended purpose of maintaining accurate records. We are committed to defending voters’ rights and privacy in Virginia and nationwide, and this case is one of many where we are stepping in to ensure those protections are upheld.”
Common Cause has previously taken similar legal action in Nebraska regarding state voter data protection. It has also joined efforts with ACLU’s Voting Rights Project to intervene in DOJ lawsuits concerning Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawai’i, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington DC and Wisconsin.
According to its official website, Common Cause Virginia works statewide as a nonpartisan grassroots group dedicated to advancing democratic values through advocacy for voting rights and government transparency. The organization supports inclusive participation in elections across political lines while engaging supporters throughout Virginia.
Common Cause Virginia has been active shaping legislation on voting rights issues as well as campaign finance reform efforts within the state.
