Ruling: SC Election Commission can share voter data with DOJ

COLUMBIA., S.C. (WSPA) — A Richland County Circuit Court judge ruled Wednesday that the State Election Commission (SEC) can share voter data with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).

The SEC Interim Director, Jenny Wooten, said most of the information requested by the DOJ is already publicly available or can be purchased by any registered voter in South Carolina.

“The SEC remains committed to transparency, safeguarding the security of South Carolina’s elections, and preserving the trust of the voters we serve,” a statement from Wooten reads.

The decision rejects a lawsuit filed by Dr. Anne Crooke, who argued the data release would put millions of voters’ information at risk.

Any future decisions made about data sharing with the DOJ will be done through a public commission vote.

In the event of a vote, officials said at least 24 hours’ notice will be given to the public.