The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), under the leadership of Attorney General Pam Bondi, has initiated a broad nationwide review of state voter registration rolls. The move follows the signing of Executive Order 14248, “Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections,” by President Donald Trump on March 25, 2025. The order directs federal and state coordination to identify and address unlawful voter registrations and ensure compliance with existing voter roll maintenance laws.
According to the executive order, the initiative’s primary focus is to identify ineligible voter registrations, including those involving deceased individuals, non-citizens, and persons with felony convictions who are legally barred from voting. It further instructs the DOJ to work closely with state attorneys general and election officials to share data, investigate suspected violations, and prosecute offenders when warranted.
The order also mandates the enforcement of provisions within the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), both of which require states to maintain accurate and up-to-date voter registration lists. This includes removing individuals who are no longer eligible to vote due to death, relocation, or legal disqualification.
A key component of the executive order is the requirement that the DOJ establish formal information-sharing agreements with states. These agreements aim to ensure that evidence of ineligible voting or fraudulent registrations uncovered at the state level is promptly reported to federal authorities. The directive emphasizes particular attention to cases involving foreign nationals who have unlawfully registered or voted in U.S. elections.
The order also grants the Attorney General authority to impose financial consequences on states that decline to cooperate with the voter roll review. Specifically, it allows the DOJ to withhold certain federal grants or funding from jurisdictions that refuse to share relevant voter registration data or participate in the investigation process.
Attorney General Bondi has already authorized DOJ teams to begin on-the-ground work in what have been described as “high-priority” states. These include California, Texas, and Minnesota, among others. The teams are tasked with reviewing voter registration databases, identifying irregularities, and coordinating with local officials to verify eligibility records.
Supporters of the initiative argue that ensuring the accuracy of voter rolls is a fundamental component of election integrity. They contend that outdated or inaccurate voter registration lists can undermine public confidence in the electoral process and open the door to potential misconduct. Proponents also point out that maintaining accurate rolls is not only a legal requirement but also an essential safeguard to protect legitimate votes from being diluted by unlawful ballots.
Critics, however, have raised concerns about the scope and timing of the review, particularly with the midterm elections approaching. Opponents warn that aggressive voter roll purges could lead to eligible voters being improperly removed, especially in communities with historically lower voter participation rates. They also question whether the DOJ’s involvement in state-level voter registration matters could be perceived as politicizing election administration.
The executive order’s provisions have already attracted legal scrutiny. Several states and civil rights organizations have filed lawsuits challenging its constitutionality, arguing that certain measures—such as the potential withholding of federal funds—exceed the executive branch’s authority. In June 2025, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking some aspects of the order, including requirements for proof of citizenship on the national voter registration form. Despite these legal challenges, the DOJ’s voter roll review and data-sharing efforts are continuing in states that are cooperating with the initiative.
In announcing the nationwide review, Attorney General Bondi emphasized the department’s commitment to enforcing election laws as written by Congress. She noted that the effort is aimed at ensuring that every ballot cast in U.S. elections is lawful and that every eligible voter’s rights are protected.
“Our goal is simple: to make sure that the right to vote, one of our nation’s most cherished liberties, is exercised freely and fairly, without being compromised by unlawful registrations or ballots,” Bondi said in a prepared statement. “We are committed to working with state officials across the country to uphold the integrity of our elections.”
The DOJ’s review is expected to continue in the months leading up to the midterms, with additional states potentially joining the effort. While the legal disputes surrounding Executive Order 14248 remain unresolved, the initiative marks one of the most extensive federal efforts in recent years to scrutinize and update voter registration rolls nationwide.
