Judge says Trump can’t use Social Security data for voter roll purges
Judge Halts Trump's Use of Social Security Data in Voter Roll Purges
Judge says Trump can t use Social - A federal judge ruled Monday that the Trump administration improperly bypassed privacy safeguards by modifying a citizen data program to target voter rolls. This decision marks a significant challenge for the president’s strategy to identify noncitizens on state ballots, a move critics claim could unfairly remove eligible voters from the electoral process.
SAVE Program Faces Legal Scrutiny
The ruling by US District Judge Sparkle Sooknanan centers on the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system, which has been used for verifying citizenship for public benefits. The program was also adopted by election officials to scrutinize voter registration records. However, the administration’s recent overhaul expanded its scope to include Social Security numbers and additional data sources.
Administration’s Push for Voter Roll Verification
During the early phase of Trump’s second term, the administration intensified the program’s reach by integrating more data types. Sooknanan noted that the administration was aware the revisions breached privacy laws but proceeded to implement them as part of a broader effort to enforce an executive order focused on voter verification. The order directed federal agencies to create systems for mass checks of citizenship status.
Justice Department Targets States
Following the system’s enhancement, the administration not only urged states to use it but also threatened penalties for those who resisted. The Justice Department has also launched a campaign to obtain unredacted voter registration files from each state, allowing federal oversight of ballot integrity. A separate executive order further mandates the Department of Homeland Security to compile lists of voting-age citizens using SAVE and other data sources.
“All in all, the federal government has knowingly trampled on the privacy rights of American citizens in a manner that threatens the sacred right to vote. This Court cannot stand idly by while that happens,” stated Judge Sparkle Sooknanan, a Biden appointee.
Legal Challenge Highlights Privacy Concerns
The case was initiated by advocacy groups and a privacy organization, who argued the expanded system risks misidentifying citizens as noncitizens. They pointed to potential inaccuracies or outdated information in the data, which could lead to erroneous removals from voter rolls. The administration’s actions, they claimed, undermine the foundational right to participate in elections.
“As the Trump-Vance administration continues its attack on the right to vote, this is an important victory for the American people and our democracy,” said Skye Perryman, CEO of Democracy Forward. “The data at the heart of this lawsuit was unlawfully consolidated in violation of privacy laws intended to protect sensitive personal information.”
The ruling comes amid ongoing legal battles over the program, with some of its tactics already facing opposition in other courts. DHS General Counsel James Percival criticized the decision, calling it an example of political resistance to addressing “alien voting” issues.