1A 'If You Can Keep It': The Pushback Against Election Deniers
Nov 3, 2025
Alexandra Berzon, an investigative reporter for The New York Times, discusses the alarming rise of election deniers in government roles and their influence on voter data requests. Adrian Fontes, Arizona's Secretary of State, explains why he's resisted federal demands for personal voter information, citing privacy laws and distrust. Law professor Justin Levitt delves into legal limits on federal involvement in elections, emphasizing the critical role of local officials. Together, they explore the tension between state and federal powers over election integrity.
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Federal Push For Election Control
- The Trump administration is seeking greater federal control over elections by demanding detailed state voter data and access to machines.
- That effort reverses decades of decentralized state control and raises privacy and constitutional concerns.
DOJ Lawsuits Versus State Privacy Claims
- DOJ sued eight states claiming federal oversight to check voter rolls, but states argue privacy laws and precedent protect sensitive fields like Social Security numbers.
- Judges have historically allowed states to keep certain voter data private, complicating DOJ's legal theory.
Heather Honey's Activist Trajectory
- Alexandra Berzon recounts Heather Honey's rise from private investigator to national election activist after 2020.
- Honey pushed suspicious data claims that election officials and experts repeatedly debunked but she kept amplifying.
