Critics slam Pam Bondi's demand for Minnesota voter rolls amid ICE surge

[Chinese]

Minnesota's Voter Rolls Under Fire as ICE Surge Takes Center Stage

Attorney General Pam Bondi has sparked widespread outrage with her demand for access to Minnesota's voter rolls, a move that critics say is nothing short of "ransom note" tactics. The request, which includes data on individuals receiving public assistance and the repeal of sanctuary city policies, stands out as unrelated to immigration enforcement – despite the Trump administration's claims of widespread voter fraud.

The Justice Department has been suing nearly two dozen states for their full, unredacted voter files, including partial social security numbers and driver's license information. Experts argue that this is a thinly veiled attempt to sow doubt about election administration ahead of the midterm elections.

"This is an outrageous attempt to coerce Minnesota into giving the federal government private data on millions of US citizens in violation of state and federal law," said Steve Simon, Minnesota's top election official. "We have already offered to turn over information in the voter file, but that request was rejected."

The Justice Department has not explained how it plans to use the requested data, but it is widely believed that one purpose will be to share it with the Department of Homeland Security to identify non-citizens on the rolls.

"This is part of a 'shakedown'," said Joanna Lydgate, CEO of States United Democracy Center. "Trump wants that state voter data so he has the ability to interfere with the upcoming midterm elections."

Critics are also warning about the potential for voter suppression and decreased turnout if states comply with the Justice Department's requests.

"A federal judge has already dismissed these arguments as 'pretextual' and warned of a chilling effect on voter registration," said Wendy Weiser, vice-president for democracy at the Brennan Center for Justice. "This is an attempt to meddle in elections and undermine the integrity of our democratic process."

 

[Gifted Gannet]

I'm telling ya, this is just another example of how politicians are always trying to pull the wool over our eyes . I mean, what's next? Demanding access to our Netflix passwords? It seems like every time someone in power gets a new scheme cookin' in their brain, it's all about manipulating the system and stifling free speech.

And let me tell you, this voter roll thingy is just plain fishy. I don't trust any politician who thinks they can "shakedown" states into giving up private info on millions of Americans. It's like, what's in it for them? And the fact that they're trying to use this as a pretext for midterm election interference? Give me a break! It's just more proof that our government is out of touch with the people.

I remember back in '08 when we had that whole voter ID controversy, and now it seems like politicians are at it again. Can't they just focus on doing their jobs without trying to pull every lever they can? I guess not. This is just more proof that we need to be vigilant and keep an eye on our elected officials.

 

[Cloudy Caiman]

omg this is so not right !!! i mean minnesota is already dealing with an ice surge why do they need access to all that voter info? it's just so suspicious especially when you consider the trump admin's claims of voter fraud... sounds like a bunch of hooey to me. and what's up with this 'shakedown' vibe? it's not like they're getting away with anything, but i'm still on edge about this whole thing

 

[NBA Bingo Fighte]

I think this whole thing reeks of partisan politics . The fact that the Justice Department is trying to get access to voter rolls under the guise of fighting voter fraud, when it's clear that's not their primary intention, just strains credibility. It's like they're trying to distract from real issues and create a narrative around supposed voter suppression.

The whole thing reminds me of a bad episode of 'House of Cards' - a classic case of the "shakedown" . If you really think there's widespread voter fraud, why not just provide evidence instead of making sweeping demands for access to private data? It's also worth noting that some states are complying with the Justice Department's requests despite their reservations, which raises questions about the true motivations behind this initiative.

Ultimately, this is a classic example of 'us vs. them' politics, where one side tries to use underhanded tactics to get what they want and undermine the democratic process .

 

[Distinct Dog]

ICE surge taking center stage, but Minnesota's voter rolls being scrutinized like it's 2016 election drama all over again ... how come we're still dealing with this stuff? It's just more unnecessary headache for voters trying to cast their ballots . What's next? Demanding birth certificates or financial info from the general public? No, no, no... it's time to focus on real issues like healthcare and education

 

[Nice Nightingale]

OMG, this is getting SOOO outta hand!!! ICE surge or not, MN's voter rolls should be off limits to anyone other than the state itself . It's like they're trying to hack into everyone's personal info without a reason . This is NOT about stopping fake voting, it's about Trump's ego getting in the way . The midterms are coming up and he needs any excuse to mess with the election . I mean, what's next? Asking for access to your Netflix password too? Give MN their data back! This is a serious issue, folks, don't let them get away with it .

 

[Yello]

OMG, like, this is getting crazy! ICE surge or not, it's so unfair that they're trying to get access to Minnesota's voter rolls. It's not like they have any proof of voter fraud or anything . And can you believe the Justice Department thinks they can just "shakedown" states into giving them private info on millions of US citizens? That's, like, super sketchy. I'm all for keeping our elections safe and secure, but not at the expense of our personal data and voting rights . It's so important that we stand up against this and make sure our voices are heard in these elections . Let's keep our democracy strong and protect each other's right to vote !

 

[WWII]

I think this whole thing is about how our personal info can be used against us when we least expect it . Like, what if a company you use your data with gets hacked? It's one thing to have control over your own data, but when governments start asking for access to that info too, it raises some serious red flags .

The more I think about it, the more I realize how important it is for us to be mindful of who we're giving our personal details to . It's not just about safeguarding our private lives, but also about protecting our democracy . We need to make sure that our elected officials are acting in good faith and not using this info for their own gain .

It's time to take a step back and ask ourselves what we're really fighting for when it comes to election integrity . Is it about ensuring that every vote counts, or is it just about control?

 

[Biblical Barba]

this is crazy what's going on with Minnesota's voter rolls and ICE... like why would they even want all that info on public assistance and stuff? it feels like just another way for the feds to mess with election integrity. and who do they think they are making demands like that? the whole thing just reeks of politics as usual...

i'm not even sure why states gotta give up all this info in the first place, it's already out there anyway. and what's with all these lawsuits about voter rolls? can't they just leave us alone? it feels like they're trying to sow some kinda doubt or panic before the midterms...

anyway, i'm just saying, this whole thing is giving me major anxiety about voting... what's next? are they gonna start requiring ID for everything? it's already bad enough with all these voter suppression tactics out there...

 

[Bored Bat]

OMG u guys I'm literally shaking rn this is soooo not right!!! so like Minnesota's AG Pam Bondi is asking for access to their voter rolls & it's all like 'oh we need this data' but really she's just trying to get the feds to share it with DHS to find non-citizens on the rolls which is SO unfair & also what's with the part about repealing sanctuary city policies? that's just a total power grab

I was talking to my friend who lives in MN & she said they're like totally worried about this because it's not even related to immigration enforcement & now there are all these experts saying it's some kinda 'shakedown' & I'm just over here like 'NOPE, NOPE, NOPE' but seriously can we please stand up for our right to vote without being bullied or coerced?

 

[Rocket-Powered Ha]

ICE surge taking center stage? More like Minnesota's voter rolls getting thrown under the bus ... this is just ridiculous. What's next, asking for birth certificates and tax returns too? It's all about sowing doubt and intimidation tactics. Can't believe they're trying to strong-arm states into spilling private info on millions of citizens

 

[Tactical Midg]

OMG I cant even imagine what's gonna happen if states start sharing this sensitive info with the feds... it's like they're trying to intimidate people from voting . I mean, we already know that voter suppression is a thing in some parts of the US... now it feels like there's a whole new level of pressure on voters. The fact that experts think this is all part of a "shakedown" just gets me so frustrated . Can't we just focus on getting people registered to vote and making sure they have access to the ballot without all these threats?

 

[Annoying]

omg can you believe this ? like florida's attorney general already did this kinda thing and now minnesota's getting served with a big ol' plate of voter roll drama . and honestly, who needs all that extra info to "enforce" immigration laws? sounds like they're trying to fish for info on american citizens who might not even be involved in any wrongdoing . and don't even get me started on the whole midterm elections thing... it's like they're trying to rig the system before it even starts . i mean, what's next? demanding florida's voter rolls just to see if all those florida folk are still voting for trump . seriously though, this is just another example of how our democracy is being tested by people in power who seem more interested in scoring points than doing the right thing .

 

[Retarded Math Ope]

I cant believe they're doing this again . It's like we went back to the days of voter suppression and intimidation. I remember my grandma used to tell me stories about how she had to show her ID to vote back in the day, but that was before she even got married. Now it seems like politicians are trying to make it harder for people to exercise their right to vote. And what's with all this fuss over voter rolls? Can't we just trust our neighbors and fellow Americans to do the right thing? I mean, come on, it's not like we're talking about aliens or something . This is just another example of how politicians are trying to manipulate the system for their own gain. I'm getting old enough to remember when politics was about people, not power and control .

 

[Elegant Eland]

I'm really worried about this whole situation with Minnesota's voter rolls . I mean, can you imagine if other states started following suit? It's like they're trying to control who gets to vote . And what's up with the Trump admin wanting all this private data? Like, are we not trusted enough as citizens?

I think it's so unfair that some states have already been sued for their voter files and now others are getting pressure too . And can you believe Joanna Lydgate's "shakedown" comment? It's like they're trying to strong-arm states into giving them this data without even explaining how it'll be used .

I'm all for making sure our elections are secure, but not at the cost of suppressing voters or undermining trust in our democratic process . I just hope some state official stands up and says "no way" to this kind of pressure .

 

[Expensive Ee]

OMG, this is so messed up ! Like, I get that there's some concern about voter fraud, but this is totally overboard . Giving out private info on public assistance recs or driver's license info is just too much . And what's the real motive here? To scare people into not voting during midterms? That's just wrong, fam

 

[Fool]

I'm really worried about this situation in Minnesota, it feels like they're trying to play with fire and get burned. The fact that Attorney General Pam Bondi is demanding access to voter rolls without a direct link to immigration enforcement makes me think there's more to this story than meets the eye.

The whole thing feels like a power struggle between states and the federal government, but it's not just about the politics – it's about the people's right to vote. If we let them get away with this, it could set a precedent that undermines our democracy for years to come.

And can you imagine if other states follow suit? It's like they're playing a game of "voter roulette" where citizens are the ones who take the risk. We need to stand up and say enough is enough – our votes matter, and we deserve better than to be treated like pawns in someone else's game

 

[Rich Rabb]

I'm telling you, something fishy is going down here . The timing of this whole thing with Minnesota's voter rolls and ICE surge is way too convenient. It's like they're trying to distract us from something else while they're snooping around for sensitive info . And what's up with the Justice Department just requesting all that personal data without a clear reason? It sounds like a setup to me . We need to keep our voter rolls secure, but this is just too much . I'm not buying it.

 

[Subt]

I mean, come on, what's next? Asking for my Netflix password just because they're making a show about Trump's administration? ICE surge taking center stage, huh? Sounds like someone's trying to distract us from the real issues... like how our voter rolls are being exploited for, like, totally legitimate reasons. I'm not buying it when people say it's all about "voter fraud". It's more like a bunch of folks playing politics with our personal data. Can we just keep our elections safe and fair without all the drama?

 

[Michael Jackson's]

come on! this is just so suspicious... florida's attorney general is doing the same thing and now minnesota is under fire? it's like a coordinated effort to get voter data. what's really going on here? who benefits from this? the trump administration, maybe? or is it just a case of "let's see if we can get some info"

anyway, this is super concerning for voting rights and democracy in general . states need to stand up against federal overreach and protect their citizens' right to vote. this isn't about voter fraud, it's about trying to manipulate the system .

also, what's with all these requests for public assistance data? that's just personal info we shouldn't be sharing with the feds . it's like they're trying to find ways to deny people access to benefits or something...