Voter data Trump claimed China obtained is easy to obtain in most states

President Trump recently asserted that China had illicitly obtained 220 million U.S. voter files, describing it as potentially the largest compromise of election data in history. This claim has raised concerns about election security and foreign interference.

However, an examination of voter data accessibility across the United States reveals that such information is readily available. In twenty states and Washington D.C., voter data can be obtained through simple public requests, purchases, or online downloads. Fifteen other states allow access under specific conditions, such as stating a political or research purpose, or requiring state residency.

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illicit acquisition of 220 million U.S. voter files

While public voter rolls often include names, mailing addresses, phone numbers, and political party preferences, more sensitive data like Social Security numbers remain confidential. Election law experts, such as David Becker, note that matching this publicly available voter information with more private data, like DMV or Social Security records, would be necessary to create false registrations or alter existing ones. Becker stated there is no evidence that China could make such matches.

The source of the data accessed by Chinese actors remains unclear, potentially including public records, commercial databases, or stolen private information. Nevertheless, the accessibility of much of this voter information through legal public channels in many states challenges the notion that such data could only be obtained through illicit means.

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there is no evidence the Chinese could create a match between voter roll information and Department of Motor Vehicles or Social Security numbers, which is what would be necessary to create a false voter registration or alter an existing voter registration.