Trump administration sues Virginia, claims it failed to produce full voter rolls

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Trump administration has sued Virginia, claiming the state has failed to produce its full voter rolls.

Just before 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 16, the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) Civil Rights Division announced that it has filed a federal lawsuit against Virginia.

The Trump administration is accusing Virginia of failing to produce its full voter registration lists upon request.

“This Department of Justice has now sued 24 states for failing to provide voter roll data and will continue filing lawsuits to protect American elections,” said U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Accurate voter rolls are the foundation of election integrity and any state that fails to meet this basic obligation of transparency can expect to see us in court.”

WATCH: Youngkin delivers his final State of the Commonwealth address

Per the release, as U.S. Attorney General, Bondi is "uniquely charged by Congress with the enforcement of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA)," which the DOJ says were "designed by Congress to ensure that states have proper and effective voter registration and voter list maintenance programs."

The DOJ added that, under the Civil Rights Act, Bondi has the authority to "demand the production, inspection and analysis of the statewide voter registration lists."

"When states attempt to hide information they are required to disclose, they undermine public trust and violate the law," said Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, in the release. "This office will enforce the law to ensure the public and federal authorities receive the information they are entitled to."

The DOJ did not provide any additional information on this lawsuit, such as when or how Virginia allegedly failed to produce its complete voter rolls.

Virginia Senate passes 4 constitutional amendments for voter referendum

This legal action comes less than 24 hours before Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger (D), Lt. Gov.-elect Ghazala Hashmi and Attorney General-elect Jay Jones (D) will assume office on Saturday, Jan. 17.

8News has reached out to both Jones and his predecessor, outgoing Attorney General Jason Miyares, regarding this lawsuit. An update will be provided when possible.