In brief
On Friday, U.S. District Judge Ashley Royal dismissed a lawsuit from the Justice Department aimed at acquiring voter information from Georgia, citing incorrect jurisdiction. The ruling allows the DOJ to potentially refile the case in Atlanta, where Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is based. This controversy adds to the ongoing tensions surrounding Raffensperger's refusal to comply with such federal requests, a situation that has implications for his 2026 gubernatorial campaign. Notably, Raffensperger, a Republican, has previously resisted demands from prominent party figures, including Donald Trump.
ATLANTA – A federal judge in Georgia dismissed a U.S. Justice Department lawsuit on Friday, which sought voter information from the state, ruling that the federal government had filed in the wrong city.
U.S. District Judge Ashley Royal determined that the government should have brought its case against Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger in Atlanta, not Macon, where the Secretary also maintains an office. The dismissal was made without prejudice, allowing the Justice Department the option to refile its lawsuit.
The Justice Department did not provide comments following the ruling. This lawsuit is part of a broader campaign, as the Department has launched similar suits against 24 states and the District of Columbia in pursuit of more detailed voter information, including personal identifiers like birthdates and Social Security numbers.
Previously, a judge in California dismissed a similar case on privacy grounds, while another in Oregon suggested a dismissal could also be forthcoming.
The lawsuits have been framed by the Trump administration as necessary for election security. However, Raffensperger has consistently resisted providing the requested voter rolls, asserting that Georgia law protects such confidential personal information unless specific criteria are met. He maintains that the federal government has not satisfied those criteria.
“I will always follow the law and follow the Constitution,” Raffensperger stated emphatically on Friday, emphasizing his commitment to uphold his oath and prioritize the interests of Georgia residents over external pressures.
As the 2026 gubernatorial campaign looms, Raffensperger's refusal to comply with federal demands adds a contentious layer to his race, particularly given his previous refusal to acquiesce to former President Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election results through coercive means.
State Sen. Randy Robertson expressed frustration over the dismissal, indicating that the complication will only prolong the resolution of these ongoing issues. The state Senate committee's resolution call for Raffensperger to comply has underlined the divisions within the GOP as they angle for selection in the upcoming gubernatorial primaries.
