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Montana Data Exchange Sparks Voter Privacy Debate

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, February 11th 2026 at 17:18 GMT by krtv
      Locales: Montana, UNITED STATES

BILLINGS, MT - February 11, 2026 - Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen's office is actively defending a recent data exchange with the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) following a report alleging improper sharing of voter information. The controversy, first brought to light by the Montana Daily Gazette, has sparked debate among state legislators and raised concerns among some citizens regarding voter privacy and potential federal overreach.

Secretary Jacobsen released a statement asserting that the transfer of voter data is a standard practice, intended to enhance the accuracy and security of Montana's voter rolls. Her office characterizes the exchange as a routine procedure and vehemently denies any wrongdoing. "The Montana Secretary of State's Office is committed to ensuring the security and integrity of Montana's voter rolls," Jacobsen stated in a press release. "The data exchange with the EAC is a standard procedure to ensure data accuracy and security and should not be misconstrued as a sharing of sensitive information."

According to the Secretary of State's office, the EAC utilizes the provided data to cross-reference existing voter information and identify potential discrepancies or vulnerabilities within state voter databases. This practice, they claim, is widespread across the nation, with numerous states participating in similar data exchanges to proactively address issues such as duplicate registrations, outdated addresses, and potential instances of voter fraud. The goal is to maintain clean and reliable voter lists, ultimately strengthening the overall election process.

However, the explanation has not fully satisfied some Republican lawmakers, who have voiced skepticism and raised questions about the extent of federal involvement in state election matters. Concerns center around the potential for the federal government to build a comprehensive national database of voter information, which some fear could be misused or lead to unwarranted intrusion into citizens' private lives. The debate taps into a larger national conversation regarding states' rights versus federal authority, particularly in the sensitive area of election administration.

The EAC's Role and Data Security Protocols

The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) was established by the Help America Vote Act of 2002 in the wake of the contentious 2000 presidential election. The agency's primary mission is to provide guidance and support to state and local election officials, improve election administration, and ensure accessibility for all voters. The EAC offers resources, training, and certification programs related to voting systems and best practices.

Regarding data security, the EAC maintains it adheres to strict privacy regulations and does not retain or share personally identifiable information beyond what is necessary for data verification purposes. The agency states that any data received from states is encrypted and stored on secure servers, with access limited to authorized personnel. However, critics argue that even with security measures in place, the very act of transferring voter data creates inherent risks of breaches or misuse.

Montana's Voter Data Laws and Regulations

Montana's laws regarding voter registration and data privacy are relatively stringent. State law dictates what information can be collected from voters and how that information can be used. Access to voter registration information is generally restricted to election officials, law enforcement agencies, and authorized individuals with a legitimate need. Any unauthorized access or disclosure of voter data is subject to penalties.

Jacobsen's office insists that the data exchange with the EAC fully complies with both state and federal laws. They argue that the information shared is limited to non-sensitive data points used solely for verification purposes and that no personally identifiable information is compromised. They point to legal precedents supporting the practice of interstate data sharing for election administration purposes.

Ongoing Scrutiny and Calls for Transparency

Despite assurances from the Secretary of State's office, scrutiny of the data exchange is likely to continue. Several Republican lawmakers have called for a more thorough investigation into the matter, demanding greater transparency and public access to information regarding the scope and frequency of data transfers. Some are proposing legislation that would require explicit legislative approval before any future voter data is shared with the federal government.

"Montanans deserve to know exactly what data is being shared and with whom," stated State Representative Mark Thompson, a vocal critic of the exchange. "We need to ensure that our voter rolls remain secure and that our citizens' privacy is protected."

The controversy highlights the growing tensions surrounding election security and the delicate balance between ensuring accurate voter rolls and safeguarding individual privacy rights. As election administration becomes increasingly complex, the debate over data sharing and federal oversight is likely to intensify in Montana and across the nation.