The DOJ requested access to Dominion voting machines used in Missouri’s 2020 election, raising legal, political, and security concerns. Here’s the full story.
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Justice Department Requests Access to Dominion Voting Equipment Used in Missouri in 2020
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has requested access to Dominion Voting Systems equipment used during the 2020 election in two Missouri counties. This unusual move has sparked a nationwide debate about federal authority, election security, and political influence.
According to a memo from the Missouri Association of County Clerks and Election Authorities shared with the Associated Press (AP), a DOJ official contacted county clerks in August, seeking direct access to the voting equipment. However, the request was declined by both Jasper County Clerk Charlie Davis and McDonald County Clerk Jessica Cole.
Why the DOJ’s Request Matters
The request is highly significant because:
- The federal government has no direct authority over voting equipment.
- Missouri is a Trump-leaning state, which he has won three consecutive times.
- The move signals the DOJ’s expanded efforts to monitor elections under Trump’s second term.
Jessica Cole, the McDonald County Clerk, stated that both state and federal laws prohibit unauthorized access to election machines, further questioning the legality of the DOJ’s demand.
Trump’s Role and Political Context
Former President Donald Trump has consistently claimed that the 2020 election was “stolen” due to widespread voter fraud — claims widely debunked by audits, recounts, and legal rulings.
Despite losing dozens of court battles and facing no confirmed evidence of widespread fraud, Trump continues to pressure federal agencies to investigate past elections.
This DOJ request comes as Trump pushes for broader presidential authority over elections, a power not granted under the U.S. Constitution.
Dominion Voting Systems: At the Center of Controversy
Dominion Voting Systems, based in Colorado, has been the focus of conspiracy theories since the 2020 election. Some supporters of Trump falsely claimed that Dominion manipulated votes to favor Democrats.
However, these claims led to major legal battles:
- Fox News paid $787.5 million to settle Dominion’s defamation lawsuit in 2023.
- Newsmax agreed to a $67 million settlement for similar false claims.
A federal judge stated it was “CRYSTAL clear” that there was no evidence of Dominion’s machines being compromised.
Missouri Officials Push Back
Jasper County Clerk Charlie Davis refused to comply, stating his office no longer had the requested equipment.
Missouri’s former Secretary of State, Jay Ashcroft, also got involved, encouraging clerks to cooperate by offering replacement equipment. Despite this, clerks maintained their stance, citing legal restrictions.
Sherry Parks, President of the Missouri Association of County Clerks, emphasized that local election officials are solely responsible for custody, testing, and security of voting machines, and unauthorized access is strictly prohibited.
DOJ’s Wider Efforts Across the U.S.
This request in Missouri is part of a broader DOJ strategy:
- The DOJ has demanded voter registration lists from 23 states.
- Some states have refused, citing privacy laws and federal overreach.
- DOJ officials have even threatened lawsuits in states like Minnesota and California.
Additionally, other federal entities have reached out to election officials nationwide, sometimes without proper authorization — raising alarms among state authorities.
Election Experts Warn of Federal Overreach
David Becker, a former DOJ attorney and head of the Center for Election Innovation and Research, warned:
“The DOJ lacks both authority and expertise when it comes to reviewing voting machines.”
Experts argue that state governments, not federal agencies, hold constitutional authority over elections, making these requests legally questionable.
The Bigger Picture: 2026 Midterms & Beyond
The DOJ’s aggressive oversight comes ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, where concerns over election integrity, federal interference, and voter privacy are expected to dominate political discourse.
The Missouri dispute could set a legal precedent for how much influence the federal government can exert on state-run elections.
Key Takeaways
- DOJ requested access to Dominion voting machines from Missouri’s 2020 election.
- Missouri officials refused, citing state and federal laws.
- Trump’s influence and election fraud claims continue to fuel controversy.
- Dominion has successfully defended itself against false accusations.
- Experts warn the DOJ’s actions could lead to constitutional conflicts.
FAQs
Q1. Why is the DOJ interested in Dominion voting machines in Missouri?
The DOJ wants to review the 2020 election equipment, but Missouri clerks argue it violates state and federal laws.
Q2. Does the DOJ have authority over state election machines?
No. Election authority primarily lies with state governments, making the DOJ’s request legally questionable.
Q3. What role does Trump play in this situation?
Trump’s ongoing claims of election fraud continue to drive federal efforts to monitor and investigate past elections.
Q4. Is Dominion Voting Systems under investigation?
No. Dominion has won multiple defamation lawsuits, proving that claims of vote manipulation were false.
Q5. Could this impact future U.S. elections?
Yes. This conflict may shape federal vs. state powers in upcoming elections, including the 2026 midterms.