On December 12, 2020, the U.S. Justice Department announced lawsuits against Colorado, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Nevada for failing to provide voter registration lists as required by federal law. The lawsuits, filed by the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, assert that the attorney general has the authority to request statewide voter registration data to ensure effective maintenance of voter lists. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon emphasized that states must protect their constituents from vote dilution, warning that federal intervention will occur if states do not comply.

Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold responded by asserting that the Trump administration lacks the legal authority to demand sensitive voter information, which includes personal data such as names, birthdays, and addresses. Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin criticized the Justice Department for insufficient justification for its requests, labeling them as "outrageous fishing expeditions" that misuse citizens' private information. The Justice Department has made requests for voter registration information from at least 24 states this year and has filed a total of 18 lawsuits against states for noncompliance.

In a related case, the Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Fulton County, Georgia, seeking access to voting records from the 2020 presidential election. This lawsuit follows former President Donald Trump's claims of election fraud, particularly in Georgia, where he narrowly lost to Joe Biden. The Justice Department alleges that Fulton County has violated the Civil Rights Act by not producing requested records, which local officials claim are sealed and require a court order for release. This lawsuit is part of a broader investigation into compliance with federal election law.

Trump's attempts to overturn the election results in Georgia included a controversial phone call to the state's Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger, requesting the discovery of additional votes. Following the election, Trump faced criminal charges in Fulton County related to his efforts to challenge the results, although a judge recently dismissed the case due to procedural issues, raising concerns about accountability in election-related actions.

Additionally, the case of Tina Peters, the former clerk of Mesa County, Colorado, highlights ongoing tensions regarding election integrity. Peters is currently serving an eight-year prison sentence for tampering with voting equipment in 2020. Her conviction has drawn attention from Trump, who has called for her release, raising questions about the influence of federal power over state judicial decisions. Legal experts note that Trump's authority does not extend to state charges, and Colorado Governor Jared Polis has expressed a noncommittal stance regarding any potential clemency for Peters.

Peters's case reflects broader concerns about the integrity of electoral processes and the potential for political influence to undermine judicial accountability. As her legal team explores options for appeal and potential transfer to federal custody, the implications of her case extend beyond her individual circumstances, raising critical questions about the rule of law and the integrity of elections in the United States.