Harmeet Dhillon, a former lawyer for the Trump campaign, has shifted her stance on federal involvement in state elections. Previously, she argued that the federal government should have minimal influence over how states conduct their elections, labeling efforts by the Biden administration to expand voter registration as unconstitutional. Currently, as the head of the Civil Rights Division at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Dhillon asserts that the federal government possesses extensive authority to access state voter rolls.

This change in position is part of a broader federal campaign that includes lawsuits against over 18 states, seeking to compel them to provide sensitive voter information. The lawsuits are based on a broad interpretation of civil rights law, suggesting that the attorney general has significant power to demand election records, with courts expected to enforce these requests.

Dhillon's previous advocacy for state autonomy in election management contrasts sharply with her current actions, which some critics view as a contradiction of her earlier principles. This shift reflects a wider trend among some Republican officials who, after opposing federal intervention under the Biden administration, have now embraced aggressive federal measures initiated during the Trump administration, including executive orders and legal threats aimed at altering state election laws.

The potential consequences of the DOJ's actions are significant. If successful, millions of voters could have their personal data transferred to federal authorities with limited judicial oversight, raising concerns about data security, potential misuse, and the impact on voter turnout. Election officials from both major parties have expressed apprehension that such centralization could lead to data breaches and discourage voter participation, echoing concerns Dhillon previously raised against federal involvement.

Historically, Dhillon has been a vocal advocate for state control over election processes, arguing that the Constitution grants states the exclusive right to regulate elections. She has consistently maintained that federal oversight undermines public trust in the electoral system, suggesting that perceived government interference could suppress voter turnout. While acknowledging the necessity of federal intervention in the past to combat discriminatory practices, she contends that such authority should not extend indefinitely, particularly in the absence of ongoing systemic issues like those posed by Jim Crow laws.