The Trump administration is intensifying its efforts to access voter registration data from states, arguing that noncitizens may be illegally registered on state voter rolls, which contravenes federal law. Ahead of the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is embroiled in nearly two dozen lawsuits against various blue and purple states that have resisted these demands for data sharing. This initiative marks a significant push by the Trump administration to enhance the scrutiny of voter eligibility in the context of broader electoral integrity discussions.

This strategy involves three key approaches. Firstly, the administration seeks collaboration from Republican-led states that are more amenable to providing voter registration data. Secondly, it has resorted to legal action against states that have pushed back against these requests, portraying this as essential to ensuring that voter rolls are free of noncitizen entries. Finally, there is a legislative component, where the Trump administration is advocating for changes at the federal level to implement stricter voting requirements aimed at bolstering confidence in election integrity.

Despite these efforts, the administration has faced considerable legal setbacks, with federal judges frequently rejecting its demands for data. Hans von Spakovsky from Advancing American Freedom emphasizes that voter rolls are a critical concern for the administration as Election Day approaches, particularly due to fears that noncitizens may participate in voting, which remains illegal. The outcomes of these court battles and legislative efforts could significantly impact the electoral landscape ahead of the midterms, potentially influencing voter turnout and state election laws.