Brennan Center for Justice

Rule Changes

Represented plaintiffs in the lawsuit

A federal judge on Monday barred FEMA from withholding anti-terrorism grants from local governments that refuse the Trump administration's election rules. Judge Amir Ali of the District of Columbia struck down conditions that tied 20 percent of Homeland Security Grant Program funds to hand-marked paper ballot audits and citizenship checks through federal databases.

Updated Sep 28

Rule Changes

Opposes bill as voter suppression

Since 1993, Americans have registered to vote by attesting to their citizenship under penalty of perjury, with no proof required. The House passed the SAVE America Act 218-213 on February 11, 2026, mandating in-person documentary proof (a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) for federal election registration.

Updated May 27

Rule Changes

Tracking litigation; advising states

The Justice Department wants every state's unredacted voter file—names, addresses, dates of birth, driver's license numbers, and partial Social Security numbers for roughly 160 million registered voters. Since May 2025, DOJ has demanded these records from at least 44 states; 25 have refused and are being sued.

Updated May 23