The pivot to the Civil Rights Act is just one example of several notable changes in the DOJ’s approach. The federal laws addressing voter registration that the department relied upon when it initially requested states’ voter files are no longer the focus of the litigation. Joe Raedle/Getty ImagesThe Justice Department declined to comment to CNN when asked about the change of approach, citing the ongoing litigation. In court filings, the Justice Department says its opponents are the ones misreading the Civil Rights Act. But in its most recent lawsuits, the Justice Department dropped the NVRA and HAVA claims and is only bringing the Civil Rights Act claim.

Source: CNN January 14, 2026 13:33 UTC