Nebraska Secretary of State to Release Voter Data to Federal Government

State Supreme Court to hear appeal on March 31 after lower court dismissed lawsuit challenging federal request

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen is expected to release detailed voter information to the federal government on Thursday, despite an ongoing legal challenge from a state advocacy group. Common Cause Nebraska has filed an appeal with the state's Supreme Court, which has agreed to hear the case on March 31, but no injunction has been issued to prevent the data release in the meantime.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between state and federal governments over voter data privacy and access. While federal authorities argue the information is needed for election integrity efforts, privacy advocates are concerned about the potential misuse of personal voter details.

The details

Common Cause Nebraska has filed a lawsuit arguing that state law limits who can access detailed voter files. A Lancaster County District Judge initially dismissed the group's lawsuit, ruling they lacked standing. However, Common Cause appealed the decision, and the Nebraska Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case on March 31.

  • Secretary of State Bob Evnen plans to release the voter information to the federal government on Thursday, February 16, 2026.
  • The Nebraska Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments in the Common Cause appeal on March 31, 2026.

The players

Bob Evnen

The Nebraska Secretary of State who plans to release voter information to the federal government.

Common Cause Nebraska

A state advocacy group that has filed a lawsuit challenging the federal government's request for detailed voter information, arguing there are legal protections in place.

Nebraska Supreme Court

The state's highest court that has agreed to hear the appeal from Common Cause Nebraska on March 31, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“There are protections in place for Nebraskans when it comes to voter files. The law is pretty clear about who can access these files — and certainly who can access the unredacted full versions of these files.”

— Gavin Geis, Nebraska State Director for Common Cause (KMTV)

What’s next

The Nebraska Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the Common Cause appeal on March 31, 2026, which could determine whether Secretary of State Bob Evnen is legally required to withhold the voter information from the federal government.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over voter data privacy and the balance between state and federal authority. While the federal government argues the information is needed for election integrity, privacy advocates are concerned about potential misuse of personal voter details.