LatinoJustice Condemns Latest Supreme Court Shadow Docket Decision on Voter Rolls
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2026
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LatinoJustice Condemns Latest Supreme Court Shadow Docket Decision on Voter Rolls
New York, NY— The civil rights organization LatinoJustice PRLDEF reacted to today’s Supreme Court 6-3 decision staying a lower court order that would have prevented states from using a notorious federal database to check state voter rolls to confirm eligibility to vote.
The US District Court in the District of Columbia ruled in June in League of Women Voters v DHS that the federal government could not use the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database to check voters’ eligibility in state voter rolls.
The administration filed a petition this month for a stay of the court's order via the Supreme Court’s emergency docket. This ruling does not change the outcome of the upcoming midterms, this election is still up to voters because federal law prohibits mass voter purges this close to an election. This decision means that states may use the SAVE system only to conduct individual checks for voter eligibility. Voters should continue to confirm their voter registration is up to date by visiting vote.org or by checking with their local county election office. Voters should make a plan to vote --whether that’s early in-person, on Election Day, via drobox or in-person delivery, or by mail. Voters can call 866-OUR-VOTE with any questions. The best way to protect our right to vote is to turnout in record numbers.
State use of the database is voluntary. Recent press reports found that in several cases where the database has been used to verify voter eligibility, the claims of non-citizens listed on voter rolls have been greatly exaggerated.
The following statement can be attributed to Lourdes M. Rosado, President and General Counsel at LatinoJustice PRLDEF:
"Allowing states to use a defective database whose accuracy and legality have been sensibly challenged is yet another reckless move by the Supreme Court that only serves to, at best add unnecessary work to the state and local agencies that run elections, and at worst, creates fear among eligible voters that they may be improperly removed from voter rolls.
“That this decision, like so many of the Court’s most disruptive recent rulings, came through the so-called shadow docket a little over a month before midterm elections only adds insult to injury. The majority of the Court has demonstrated it is clearly unconcerned with adding to the existing confusion around voting.
"LatinoJustice will continue working to protect voting rights of our communities and hold government officials accountable for ensuring that eligible voters are not wrongfully denied access to the ballot.”
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About LatinoJustice
For over five decades, LatinoJustice PRLDEF has used and challenged laws to create a more just and equitable society. We transform harmful systems, empower our communities, fight for racial justice, and grow the next generation of líderes. To learn more, visit www.LatinoJustice.org