Nebraska to Hand Over Voter Data to Justice Department After Court Loss

State's Republican secretary of state will provide sensitive voter information despite privacy concerns.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Nebraska's Republican secretary of state, Bob Evnen, will turn over sensitive voter information, including dates of birth, addresses, and partial Social Security numbers, to the U.S. Justice Department on Thursday after the state's highest court rejected a legal effort to block the move. The decision comes amid a broader push by the federal government to obtain voter data from states across the country.

Why it matters

The release of this sensitive voter data raises concerns about voter privacy and potential misuse by federal authorities. It also highlights the ongoing tensions between state and federal control over election administration, which has become a major political flashpoint.

The details

Last week, a state judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by government watchdog Common Cause, which sought to stop the release of the voter information. The Nebraska Supreme Court then denied an injunction to block the data transfer. Evnen said he is providing the information to the Justice Department so it can assess whether Nebraska is complying with federal voting laws, though he acknowledged he is not certain the data will be kept secure.

  • On February 11, 2026, a Nebraska state judge dismissed the lawsuit filed by Common Cause.
  • On February 12, 2026, the Nebraska Supreme Court denied the injunction to block the data transfer.
  • On February 12, 2026, Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen will turn over the voter data to the U.S. Justice Department.

The players

Bob Evnen

Nebraska's Republican secretary of state who will be turning over the sensitive voter data to the U.S. Justice Department.

Common Cause

A government watchdog group that filed a lawsuit in an unsuccessful attempt to block the release of the voter data.

U.S. Justice Department

The federal agency that has been pushing states to turn over voter data and election information as part of an effort to assess compliance with federal voting laws.

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What they’re saying

“The only thing I'm positive of is that the sun won't catch in a tree when it sets tonight.”

— Bob Evnen, Nebraska Secretary of State (ksgf.com)

What’s next

The Justice Department will receive the voter data from Nebraska on February 12, 2026, and will review it to assess the state's compliance with federal voting laws. It remains to be seen how the department will handle and secure the sensitive personal information of Nebraska voters.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between state and federal control over election administration, as well as the concerns around voter privacy and the potential misuse of sensitive voter data by federal authorities. It underscores the need for robust safeguards and transparency to ensure the integrity and security of the electoral process.