NAACP Files Amicus Brief Opposing Department of Justice Overreach in Michigan, DOJ is Demanding Sensitive Voter Data

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 23, 2026

Contact: Chyna Fields, [email protected]

WASHINGTON - Last week, the NAACP, represented by the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in the case of United States v. Benson. This case is part of the NAACP's ongoing efforts to fight the U.S. Department of Justice's attempts to compel states, including Michigan, to release sensitive voter data.

The brief argues that DOJ's attempt to compel the State of Michigan to release sensitive voter data is an unlawful application of Title III of the Civil Rights Act of 1960. Title III of the Civil Rights Act was enacted by Congress to combat racially discriminatory practices - not to grant the federal government the power to collect unredacted voter registration rolls or to establish a national voter database.

Quiana-Joy Ochiagha, NAACP Assistant General Counsel, shared the following statement:

"The Department of Justice's attempt to weaponize the Civil Rights Act of 1960 against the very communities it was designed to protect is both legally unsound and profoundly dangerous. By demanding sensitive voter information, the Justice Department is not ensuring election integrity; they are creating a blueprint for voter intimidation and mass disenfranchisement. We urge the Court to recognize this for what it is: an unlawful overreach that threatens the privacy and First Amendment rights of Michigan voters."

In the brief, the NAACP highlights the following ways the DOJ's collection of these records threatens the First Amendment rights of Michigan voters:

• Chilling voter participation: Creating an environment of surveillance that discourages citizens from exercising their right to vote.
• Enabling improper purges: Providing a mechanism that could be used to facilitate discriminatory and erroneous voter list maintenance.

The NAACP continues its fight to protect voters' rights and uphold the protections afforded by the Civil Rights Act and the U.S. Constitution. This year, The Association has taken legal action in Georgia, California, and Utah to prevent the DOJ from improperly accessing sensitive voter information. Now, in Michigan, we are urging the Court of Appeals to affirm the lower court's dismissal of the DOJ's claims and uphold the privacy and security of the state's electoral process. To learn more about the NAACP's work to support voting rights, visit our website.

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About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund - also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.