Nebraska DOJ Voter Data Request Challenge

A pro-voting lawsuit seeking to prevent Nebraska from sharing statewide voter registration information with the U.S. Department of Justice.

Background

Common Cause and a Nebraska voter filed a lawsuit in state court against Secretary of State Robert Evnen (R) to block the release of voter data requested by the U.S. Department of Justice. On Sept. 8, the DOJ sent a letter to Evnen demanding the state’s full voter registration list by Sept. 22, including each voter’s name, date of birth, and residential address, as well as either their driver’s license number or the last four digits of their social security number. The plaintiffs argue that disclosing this information would violate Nebraska’s data privacy laws, which prohibit election officials from releasing certain information to third parties, including the federal government. They note that Evnen has not definitively rejected the DOJ’s request, and in fact has stated that he “want[s] to cooperate with the Department of Justice.” They are asking the court to prevent Evnen from turning over the data to the Justice Department.

Why It Matters

In recent months, the DOJ has escalated its demands for voter data as part of a broader, politically charged push aimed at pressuring states to remove voters from the rolls and advancing the Trump administration’s baseless claims of widespread illegal voting. Last week, the DOJ filed lawsuits against Oregon and Maine for refusing to provide their full statewide voter registration lists. 

Latest Updates

• Sept. 23, 2025: The Nebraska Solicitor General and Secretary Evnen have agreed to refrain from sending any information to the DOJ until the lawsuit is settled. This means Common Cause will no longer seek a TRO but will proceed with the lawsuit.
• Sept. 22, 2025: Plaintiffs filed their complaint and a motion for a temporary restraining order.