Federal Court Dismisses DOJ Lawsuit Seeking New York Voter File; Grants NAACP Motion to Intervene

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 13, 2026

CONTACT: Chyna Fields, [email protected]

NEW YORK - In a major victory for voting rights, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York dismissed a Department of Justice (DOJ) lawsuit that sought to acquire New York's statewide voter registration database. In the same ruling, the court granted a motion to intervene filed by the NAACP and the NAACP New York State Conference, to protect the privacy and civil rights of New York voters. Over the past year, federal courts across the country have rejected similar DOJ lawsuits attempting to force states to share sensitive voter files.

"This is a major win for voters across the State of New York and a resounding rejection of federal overreach, which we have witnessed at alarming volumes since Trump has re-entered the oval office," said Kristen Clarke, General Counsel of the NAACP. "The court's decision mirrors what we have argued all along: these sweeping attempts to seize voter data are without legal basis. We will keep fighting inside and outside the courtroom to protect voters and beat back this administration's thinly veiled attempts to suppress, silence and disenfranchise voters."

The NAACP has warned that the DOJ's unlawful, multi-state bullying campaign could lead to voter intimidation and launched a historic $20M civic engagement campaign to increase voter participation this midterm season. Despite the department's attempts to access sensitive voter data, the Association has secured legal victories across several states, including Michigan, Massachusetts, and California. With the lawsuit officially dismissed in New York, the NAACP remains committed to monitoring any further federal actions and continuing the work necessary to defend the ballot box in every city across the nation.

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About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund - also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.