Columbia, South Carolina, September 12, 2025
News Summary
The South Carolina Supreme Court has lifted a restraining order blocking the release of sensitive voter data to the federal government. This decision overturns a previous ruling by Circuit Judge Diane Goodstein and allows further legal proceedings regarding the request from the U.S. Department of Justice for data on 3.3 million voters. Concerns regarding privacy violations and potential identity theft persist, as a lawsuit continues against the release while Governor Henry McMaster supports the data’s release for election integrity.
Columbia, South Carolina — The South Carolina Supreme Court has lifted a restraining order that previously blocked the release of sensitive voter data to the federal government. This decision, issued on September 11, 2025, overturned a ruling by Circuit Judge Diane Goodstein, who had temporarily halted a request from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for data related to 3.3 million voters in the state.
The court found that Goodstein erred in her decision, stating she did not sufficiently justify the rationale behind blocking the DOJ’s request. As a result, the case is poised for additional proceedings, with an expected decision on how to move forward anticipated within the next ten days. However, it remains uncertain whether the South Carolina Election Commission will comply with the DOJ’s request immediately.
Senator Brad Hutto, representing a voter challenging the release of this information, expressed skepticism regarding the Election Commission’s ability to act prior to the scheduled hearing. The DOJ’s request is part of a larger initiative aimed at acquiring voter data from multiple states across the nation.
The controversy surrounding the release stems from concerns raised by Anne Crook, a voter from Calhoun County, who has filed a lawsuit to block the release. Crook’s arguments revolve around privacy violations and the potential risk of identity theft should this sensitive information be disclosed.
The state’s legal defense argued that there is alignment between federal and state interests when it comes to ensuring the security of elections. It emphasizes that the federal government is entitled to certain data to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
Governor Henry McMaster has publicly supported the release of the voter data, asserting that it is essential for federal efforts to combat voter fraud. While the state remains in favor of data release, concerns persist among opponents who fear that such actions could result in misuse of personal information and undermine the state’s control over its electoral processes.
Despite the ruling from the Supreme Court, it has permitted the lawsuit from Crook concerning the data release to continue. She retains the option to request a hearing on the matter. Nevertheless, the court’s ruling does not resolve the broader privacy concerns that have been raised. Future legal proceedings are expected to delve deeper into these issues surrounding voter data security and privacy protections.
Background Context
This case is not an isolated incident in South Carolina, where there has been an ongoing debate over the federal government’s role in accessing state voter information. Historically, Governor McMaster’s administration has contested requests from federal authorities concerning state voter data, reflecting a complex relationship between state and federal jurisdictions in electoral matters. As legal proceedings unfold, the implications of this case on privacy rights and state autonomy in electoral processes will continue to be monitored closely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the recent ruling made by the South Carolina Supreme Court?
The South Carolina Supreme Court lifted a restraining order that blocked the release of sensitive voter data to the federal government.
What type of data is the DOJ requesting from South Carolina?
The DOJ is requesting data concerning 3.3 million South Carolina voters, which includes names, addresses, drivers’ license numbers, and the last four digits of Social Security numbers.
Who filed a lawsuit against the release of voter data?
Anne Crook, a voter from Calhoun County, filed a lawsuit raising concerns about privacy violations and risks of identity theft.
What are the potential implications of the court’s ruling?
The ruling allows the lawsuit regarding voter data release to continue, maintaining a focus on privacy concerns and the control of electoral processes at the state level.
Key Features of the Voter Data Case
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Supreme Court Ruling | Lifting of the restraining order on the release of voter data. |
| Data Requested | Names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, and last four digits of Social Security numbers for 3.3 million voters. |
| Litigation Background | Anne Crook’s lawsuit citing privacy concerns. |
| State Response | Governor supports data release for integrity of elections. |
| Next Steps | Further legal proceedings anticipated regarding privacy issues. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Allegations of Blackmail in South Carolina Politics
Columbia City Leaders Combat Rising Homelessness in 2025
Mother Faces Criminal Charges Following Tragic Pregnancy Loss in Orangeburg
Majority of State Legislators in Colorado and New Mexico to be Women for the First Time in History
Voting Rights Group Challenges South Carolina’s House Districts, Alleging Political Bias in Recent Redrawing
Additional Resources
- South Carolina Daily Gazette
- WRDW
- The New York Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Voter Data Security
- Google Search: South Carolina voter data case
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
