Columbia, South Carolina, September 28, 2025
News Summary
The South Carolina Supreme Court has ruled for the state to share voter registration data with the U.S. Department of Justice, overturning a previous lower court’s decision. This ruling stems from a lawsuit concerning voter privacy led by a plaintiff from Calhoun County. Privacy advocates express concerns over the potential misuse of sensitive voter information, such as Social Security numbers, as the state Election Commission prepares to establish an agreement with the DOJ to ensure compliance with privacy laws.
Columbia, South Carolina
The South Carolina Supreme Court has authorized the state to share voter registration data with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) amid a continuing privacy lawsuit concerning voter information. This decision overturns a previous ruling by a lower court that blocked the state from complying with the DOJ’s request for voter data.
The court’s ruling comes from a hearing in Richland County, where the South Carolina State Voters Commission faced off against Dr. Anne Crook, a plaintiff from Calhoun County. Dr. Crook’s attorney, Skyler B. Hutto, contended that the lawsuit serves to protect sensitive voter information as recognized under state law.
Governor Henry McMaster submitted a motion to dismiss the case just hours before the hearing commenced. The interim director of the State Election Commission, Jenny Wooten, testified that the commission is proceeding with caution regarding any agreements with the DOJ. Wooten confirmed that any memorandum of understanding would be addressed transparently in a public hearing.
Elizabeth Crum, who represented the commission, asserted that governmental entities typically act in good faith, while Grayson Lambert, legal counsel for Governor McMaster, argued the necessity of proactive measures to avert election difficulties rather than addressing them only after they arise.
The presiding judge did not make a definitive ruling during the hearing but vowed to provide a decision soon. Privacy advocates have raised alarms about the potential misuse of personal voter data, including Social Security numbers and driver’s license information. Critics highlight concerns regarding identity theft and privacy violations stemming from this data sharing.
An earlier circuit court order had prohibited the state from fulfilling the DOJ’s request before the state was formally notified of the lawsuit. Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, Dr. Crook still has the opportunity to pursue a hearing related to her case, although the timeline remains indeterminate.
The DOJ’s request involves obtaining a comprehensive voter registration list from South Carolina, which includes essential identifiers like names, birthdays, addresses, driver’s license numbers, and Social Security numbers as a part of a national initiative aimed at revising voter rolls.
The state Election Commission is mandated to develop a formal memorandum of understanding with the DOJ to confirm compliance with applicable privacy laws.
Background Context
The case highlights an ongoing debate about voter privacy and government transparency. Privacy advocates warn that sharing such sensitive data could lead to misuse, while state officials maintain that access to this information is vital for ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. The issuance of personal data to federal agencies has become a contentious issue as states navigate the balance between securing elections and protecting citizen information.
The South Carolina Supreme Court held that procedural matters, rather than privacy concerns, were the focus of their opinion. Nevertheless, the case reflects persistent tensions surrounding voting rights and data privacy in the state.
FAQ
What was the outcome of the South Carolina Supreme Court regarding voter data sharing?
The South Carolina Supreme Court ruled that the state could begin sharing voter information with the federal government, overriding a previous lower court’s block.
What kind of voter information has the DOJ requested?
The DOJ requested South Carolina’s voter registration list, including names, birthdays, addresses, driver’s license numbers, and Social Security numbers, as part of a nationwide effort to revise voter rolls.
What privacy concerns have been raised regarding this data sharing?
Privacy advocates voiced concerns that voter data, including Social Security numbers and driver’s license information, could lead to federal data being misused.
What steps must the state Election Commission take following the Supreme Court ruling?
The state Election Commission is required to develop a formal memorandum of understanding with the DOJ to ensure compliance with privacy laws.
Key Features Overview
| Key Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Supreme Court Ruling | Authorized sharing of voter data with the DOJ. |
| Data Requested | Voter registration list including names, birthdays, addresses, driver’s license numbers, and Social Security numbers. |
| Privacy Concerns | Potential misuse of sensitive voter information. |
| Next Steps | State Election Commission must develop a formal memorandum of understanding with the DOJ. |
| Ongoing Lawsuit | Dr. Anne Crook’s lawsuit against the sharing of her voter data is still ongoing. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Supreme Court Ruling Allows Voter Data Release in South Carolina
Mother Faces Criminal Charges Following Tragic Pregnancy Loss in Orangeburg
Additional Resources
- South Carolina Daily Gazette
- Democracy Docket
- Daily Tar Heel
- WLTX
- Greenville Online
- Wikipedia: Voter Privacy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Voter Registration
- Google Search: Voter Data Privacy Concerns
- Google Scholar: Voter Data Sharing Legal Cases
- Google News: South Carolina Voter Data
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