United States v. Thomas
What's at Stake
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) sued the State of Connecticut, seeking private, confidential voter data. DOJ’s efforts appear to be part of an effort to build a national voter database without congressional authorization and to improperly question the validity of state voter rolls.
Summary
In January 2026, DOJ sued Connecticut, seeking a copy of the state’s complete and unredacted voter roll. This file would include large amounts of private voter information, such as drivers’ license and social security numbers. DOJ’s lawsuit follows an August demand letter, which requested the entire Connecticut voter file. DOJ began sending such demands to dozens of states over the summer of 2025, and then began suing states that refused to comply in September 2025. As of March 2026, DOJ has sued thirty states in an attempt to force them to turn over their voter registration files.
DOJ’s lawsuit appears to be connected to governmental efforts to create a national voter database without congressional authorization, and to question the validity of certain states’ election administration process and the status of certain voters.
Common Cause and an individual voter have intervened to defend against this potential violation of voter privacy, and have moved to dismiss the DOJ's lawsuit. The voters and organization are represented by the ACLU and the ACLU of Connecticut.
Legal Documents
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03/18/2026
The Secretary's Reply to the U.S. Department of Justice's Opposition Brief -
03/13/2026
United States' Consolidated Memorandum in Opposition to Motions to Dismiss by Defendant Thomas and Intervenor-Defendants and Reply in Support of United States' Motion to Compel -
03/10/2026
Amici Curiae Brief of the Brennan Center for Justice and Campaign Legal Center -
03/06/2026
Unopposed Brief of Amici Curiae Former Employees of the U.S. Department of Justice -
03/02/2026
Amicus Brief of the Democratic National Committee -
02/27/2026
Defendant-Intervenors Common Cause and Claire Ewing's Joint Motion to Dismiss, Opposition to Motion to Compel, and Response to Order to Show Cause -
02/27/2026
Memorandum in Support of Motion to Dismiss of Defendant Secretary Thomas -
01/27/2026
Motion of Common Cause and Claire Ewing to Intervene as Defendants -
01/07/2026
Memorandum in Support of the Request for Order to Compel Production of Records -
01/06/2026
Complaint
Date Filed: 03/18/2026
Court: District Court (D. Conn.)
Affiliate: Connecticut
Download DocumentDate Filed: 03/13/2026
Court: District Court (D. Conn.)
Affiliate: Connecticut
Download DocumentDate Filed: 03/10/2026
Court: District Court (D. Conn.)
Affiliate: Connecticut
Download DocumentDate Filed: 03/06/2026
Court: District Court (D. Conn.)
Affiliate: Connecticut
Download DocumentDate Filed: 03/02/2026
Court: District Court (D. Conn.)
Affiliate: Connecticut
Download DocumentDate Filed: 02/27/2026
Court: District Court (D. Conn.)
Affiliate: Connecticut
Download DocumentDate Filed: 02/27/2026
Court: District Court (D. Conn.)
Affiliate: Connecticut
Download DocumentDate Filed: 01/27/2026
Court: District Court (D. Conn.)
Affiliate: Connecticut
Download DocumentDate Filed: 01/07/2026
Court: District Court (D. Conn.)
Affiliate: Connecticut
Download DocumentDate Filed: 01/06/2026
Court: District Court (D. Conn.)
Affiliate: Connecticut
Download Document