Case Summary
LWVME filed a motion to intervene on behalf of voters in a lawsuit filed by the United States against the state of Maine for refusing to give the Department of Justice sensitive voter information. LWVME intervened on behalf of Maine voters and their lawful right to keep their personal data private.
In the summer of 2025, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) sent demands to more than 30 states, including Maine, requesting voter data. The DOJ asked Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows for a copy of the state’s voter registration list, which includes personal identifying information, and material on the state’s compliance with voter list maintenance. Secretary Bellows refused to provide a copy of the voter list due to privacy concerns and state law restricting the disclosure of confidential data.
On September 16, 2025, in response to the refusal to provide data, the United States sued the state of Maine and Secretary Bellows, alleging violations of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), Help America Vote Act (HAVA), and the Civil Rights Act of 1960. The government asked the court to force Maine to produce the requested records.
On September 18, 2025, after filing the complaint in federal district court in Maine, the United States filed a motion for an order to show cause as to why Maine and Secretary Bellows should not be compelled to produce the voter records.
On September 23, 2025, two individual voters filed a motion to intervene in the case as defendants. They alleged their sensitive personal information was protected by Maine law.
On September 29, 2025, the League of Women Voters of Maine (LWVME) filed a motion to intervene on behalf of Maine voters. LWVME alleged its members’ personal information may be unlawfully shared if the DOJ is successful in this litigation. LWVME also argued this federal collection of personal data could harm the organization’s ability to register voters.
LWVME is represented in this matter by Campaign Legal Center and the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law School.
LWV Timeline
United States files lawsuit against Maine
United States sues Maine and its Secretary of State for refusal to turn over Mainers’ personal voter data. The federal government alleges violations of the NVRA, HAVA, and the Civil Rights Act of 1960.
LWVME moves to intervene in the case
LWVME moves to intervene as defendants on behalf of Maine voters.
The court agrees to pause the case while the government is in shutdown.
After the government shutdown starts, the United States moves to stay the case due to a lack of appropriations.
The court lifts the stay
The federal district court lifts the stay and the case resumes.
District court grants LWVME intervention
The district court grants LWVME's request to intervene in the case to defend voter privacy.
District court grants motion to dismiss
The district court dismisses the case, ruling that DOJ failed to show it was entitled to the unredacted voter list under HAVA, the NVRA, or the Civil Rights Act of 1960.