U.S. Representative Shontel Brown has accused Ohio election officials of endangering voter privacy after the state reportedly shared sensitive voter registration information with the United States Department of Justice under the administration of Donald Trump.
In a video posted on Instagram, Brown said Ohio’s decision to hand over voter data was “unbelievable,” urging residents to verify their voter registration status amid concerns about how the information could be used.
“Ohio gave its voter rolls to Trump’s DOJ without hesitation,” Brown wrote in the caption accompanying the video message.
Allegations Over Voter Data Transfer
According to Brown, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose authorized the release of personal information belonging to nearly eight million Ohio voters.
Brown claimed the data included details such as partial Social Security numbers, driver’s license information, and party affiliation, raising concerns about privacy and election security.
“Well, he handed over the personal data of nearly eight million Ohioans without hesitation,” Brown said in the video, referring to LaRose.
She also disputed claims that the move was legally required, arguing that courts have previously ruled the federal government does not have the authority to demand such information from states.
“Courts across the country have already ruled that Trump’s Department of Justice has no right to this information,” Brown said.
Concerns Over Election Integrity
Brown presented the issue with her followers on social media and her constituents as part of a broader political dispute over election oversight and federal involvement in state election systems. She warned that the data transfer could undermine public trust in elections and create uncertainty among voters.
“This isn’t about election security,” Brown said in the video. “Our elections are safe and secure. This is just another underhanded attempt… to sow fear, create chaos, and undermine future elections.”
She also referenced the January 6 United States Capitol attack while criticizing efforts she believes are intended to challenge or destabilize election systems.
Call for Voters to Check Registration
Brown encouraged Ohio residents to confirm their voter registration details to ensure their information remains accurate in official records.
She pointed to reports that thousands of voters in Cuyahoga County were recently flagged due to mismatched information in voter files.
“If you vote in Ohio, double-check your voter registration to make sure all of your information is up to date,” she said.
Broader Debate Over Voter Data
The controversy reflects ongoing national debates over voter data privacy, election oversight, and the balance of power between federal and state authorities in managing election systems.
Election law experts say voter registration databases often contain sensitive information used to verify identity and prevent fraud. While federal agencies sometimes request such data for investigations or audits, the scope and legality of those requests can become politically contentious.
Officials in Ohio have not publicly responded in detail to Brown’s latest remarks, but election administration remains a highly contested issue in the United States as political leaders continue to debate the security and transparency of voting systems.
