Hobbs denies DOJs request for protected information of Washington voters

Washington state officials denied the U. S. Department of Justice's request for private voter information, which included sensitive data like driver's license numbers and Social Security details. Secretary of State Steve Hobbs confirmed that he shared all publicly accessible information, such as names, addresses, and voting history. However, he firmly rejected the request for protected data, citing compliance with both state and federal laws.

Hobbs underscored his commitment to transparency while protecting voter privacy. He raised concerns about the DOJ's inconsistent reasoning for the data request, indicating a lack of clarity in the federal inquiry. This situation highlights the ongoing tension between state governance and federal oversight regarding voter information. Protecting sensitive voter data remains a key priority for state officials. As federal agencies seek more access to data, states may continue to push back to uphold privacy standards.