SOUTHLAND – (INT) – Protection of voter privacy data differs from state to state. But, California voters can be assured that there is a good level of protection.

Comparitech analyzed voter registration legislation, voter list request processes, and cybersecurity standards to determine which states have the best privacy protections for its voters.

California scored 34.5 points out of a possible 47 thanks to its limiting of access to data and restrictions on usage.

California restricts access to political parties, researchers, and/or journalists and restricts file use to non-commercial or political purposes only. Those requesting the list in California must specify full details, provide identification, and pay over $10,000 for access, and anyone misusing the list faces a fine of $0.50 per name that’s unlawfully used.

On a cybersecurity level, California has all of the standards in place.

Some states only distribute names and addresses to political parties on a strict non-commercial basis. Others publish voter lists online so anyone (even those outside the US) can access the data.

North Carolina receives the lowest score due to anyone being able to access the voter database online without any authentication.

Story Date: October 14, 2020