Good afternoon, again -
As with Mr. Martin's non-intervention and "election integrity" resolutions, here's commentary on the DoJ / voter list resolution.
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WHEREAS, the United States Department of Justice has filed (or is expected to file) multiple lawsuits against election officials in various states—including but not limited to Hawaiʻi (Case No. 1:25-cv-00522), Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Virginia, Washington,
Colorado, Massachusetts, Delaware, Connecticut, Wisconsin, Georgia, Illinois, Rhode Island, Vermont, Oregon, and others — for denying or restricting access to full statewide voter registration lists, in violation of the public disclosure provisions of the
Civil Rights Act of 1960, the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA); and
While it’s refreshing to see a Libertarian positively reference the Civil Rights Act, I do not think the federal government has a right to demand voter data from states without properly following procedure.
In the case of Minnesota, the Trump administration has alluded that the ICE invasion is to obtain these records, agreeing to withdraw their attack on the state in exchange for these records. We should do absolutely
nothing to justify, in any way, the deployment of ICE to harass and coerce the people.
WHEREAS, these federal statutes impose clear, non-discretionary obligations on state election officials to maintain accurate voter records and make voter registration lists available for public inspection and copying for lawful purposes, including election
oversight, integrity verification, and enforcement of voting rights; and
Sure.
WHEREAS, numerous state election offices have demonstrated a pattern of noncompliance by refusing or unduly restricting access to these records in response to formal requests from federal authorities and other qualified parties; and
I would argue that the feds simply did not properly request the data. Plus, since when do we trust the feds? I would rather
not turn over voter records to the federal government.
WHEREAS, such noncompliance fosters secrecy rather than scrutiny, undermining public confidence in elections and eroding the transparency and accountability essential to free and fair democratic processes; and
Again, there is a proper process for getting this data which was not followed by this incompetent administration. Also, are we or are we not concerned about privacy and unreasonable searches?
WHEREAS, affiliates of the Libertarian Party in multiple states, as well as individual Libertarians and third-party organizations, have independently sought access to voter registration data to which they are lawfully entitled under state and federal law, only
to face repeated denials similar to those challenged by the Department of Justice; and
Is there a federal law mandating that we have access to voter registration? Many states have a mechanism, some requiring that to be accessed via local affiliates. But I do not know of a federal law which gives the
LP blanket, uniform access to voter lists.
WHEREAS, these denials impair the ability of minor political parties, independent candidates, and citizens to conduct lawful voter outreach, verify registration accuracy, challenge potential irregularities, and participate meaningfully in election oversight;
and
There are absolutely hurdles that third parties face, but do they stem from the federal government not getting voter data?
WHEREAS, in-state administrative remedies have proven ineffective in many jurisdictions, leaving federal enforcement as a necessary mechanism to secure compliance; and
“leaving federal enforcement as a necessary mechanism?” Also - do we believe the federal government wishes to ensure Libertarian voters are properly counted and placed on the ballot?
WHEREAS, claims that lawful requests for public election records “undermine public trust” invert fundamental principles of open government, as transparency and accountability are the foundations of trust in electoral systems, not obstacles to it;
I do not trust the federal government, nor do I think there’s an issue with states failing to comply with
unlawful requests.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Libertarian Party fully supports the U.S. Department of Justice's enforcement actions seeking to compel compliance with federal election record disclosure requirements in non-compliant states, including the lawsuit against
the Hawaiʻi Office of Elections and Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago as a prominent example; and
I do not own a My Pillow, nor do I wish to.
Likewise, I do not wish to back the DoJ on this.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Libertarian Party urges all state election officials to achieve immediate and full compliance with the Civil Rights Act of 1960, the National Voter Registration Act, and the Help America Vote Act, including prompt and unrestricted
disclosure of voter registration records as mandated by law; and
Again, refreshing to see the CRA brought up in a positive light – because it largely nullified unjust state and local laws. But, again, if the federal government wanted to audit election laws, they should simply
properly request the proper data, not invade states.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Libertarian Party calls upon federal authorities to continue vigorously exercising their jurisdiction to address systemic noncompliance with election transparency and record-access requirements nationwide; and
We cannot resolve on behalf of the Libertarian Party except where it’s been directly stated by delegates at convention. The LNC cannot resolve on behalf of the Party itself.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Libertarian Party affirms that election integrity is strengthened—not weakened—by lawful public oversight, accountability, and strict adherence to constitutional and statutory obligations governing electoral processes.
Again, we cannot resolve on behalf of the Libertarian Party itself.
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Thanks,
Keith Thompson
Region 3 South Rep