NAACP Applauds Sixth Circuit Decision Protecting Michigan Voter Data

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 25, 2026

Contact: Chyna Fields, [email protected]

NAACP Applauds Sixth Circuit Decision Protecting Michigan Voter Data, Rebuke of DOJ's Inverse Use of Civil Rights Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the NAACP celebrated a major victory for voting rights as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of the Department of Justice's (DOJ) voter data demand case in Michigan. The ruling firmly rejects attempts to exploit civil rights legislation to fuel aggressive voter roll purges and mass surveillance of the electorate.

In its opinion, the Sixth Circuit held that the records requested by the federal government did not legally "come into the possession" of the state. Furthermore, the court ruled that the DOJ failed to issue a proper demand letter establishing both a lawful "basis" and "purpose" for the sweep.

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

"This ruling is a triumphant victory for democracy and the fight for voter privacy. The Civil Rights Act of 1960 was forged in blood and sacrifice to protect Black voters from systemic intimidation. To see those very tools inverted to purge eligible citizens from the rolls is a travesty and it is the kind of abuse we will oppose every time. The NAACP applauds the Sixth Circuit's dismissal of this overreach, and will continue to stand against any effort to weaponize the law against the people."

An excerpt from the court's opinion:

"Title III of the Act gave teeth to prior civil-rights legislation by empowering the U.S. Attorney General to obtain certain state voting records so that he could investigate potential violations and enforce federal election law. Back then, the government used this power to ensure that everyone who had the right to vote could freely exercise that right. But today, the government invokes Title III for an inverse purpose - to ensure that some people have not voted."

By halting this unlawful data demand, the court has protected the integrity of Michigan's voter systems and set a vital precedent against federal overreach intended to restrict access to the ballot box. The NAACP remains vigilant in monitoring voting rights litigation across the country as the nation approaches critical local and national elections.

To learn more about the NAACP's ongoing legal fight for voting rights and democratic equity, visit naacp.org.

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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.