Re: “Trump’s DOJ requests WA voter data, including personal info” (Sept. 10, Local News):
The Department of Justice has demanded access to Washington’s voter database, including sensitive information such as Social Security and driver’s license numbers. This is an alarming violation of privacy, Washington law and the constitutional rights of every voter in our state.
RCW 29A.08.710 explicitly prohibits the release of this data, and our state Constitution affirms that “No person shall be disturbed in his private affairs … without authority of law.” There is no lawful authority here — only a partisan power grab. The president and his allies have already announced their intent to “go after the left.” That makes the motive clear: political targeting, not election security.
If Washington complies, millions of voters could face identity theft, harassment and disenfranchisement. The state could also be forced into costly lawsuits and permanently damage public trust in our elections.
We call on Secretary of State Hobbs to continue to reject this demand without hesitation. Protecting Washington’s voters means upholding our privacy, our laws and the integrity of our democracy. Anything less would be a profound betrayal of the people Hobbs serves.
Vincent Packard, Seattle
