Voter List Confidentiality

During voter registration, election officials collect several pieces of personal information that are necessary to verify a person's identity and eligibility, but these details are not released to the public. This typically includes sensitive identifiers such as a full or partial Social Security number, a driver's license or state ID number, and the applicant's full date of birth. These data points help confirm that each registrant is a real, unique individual and prevent duplicate registrations or fraud. States also often collect contact information — like phone numbers and email addresses — that is used for official communication but withheld from public voter lists to protect privacy.

Some states additionally gather optional information that remains confidential, such as a person's choice to register as a permanent early voter, disability-related accommodations, or whether the individual has safety concerns that qualify them for address protection programs. In certain cases, even a voter's residential address can be shielded from public release, especially for people in protected categories like survivors of domestic violence or law enforcement personnel. While public voter rolls do include basic information such as name, registration status, and sometimes party affiliation, the more sensitive data collected during registration is kept private by law.

Address Confidentiality Programs (ACPs) — called Safe at Home programs in certain states — exist to shield the residential locations of people whose safety has been threatened by severe situations such as domestic violence, stalking, harassment, or sexual assault. While the specifics differ from one state to another, these programs generally supply participants and their families with substitute mailing addresses. This reduces the likelihood that an abuser or perpetrator can discover where they live. Because their real address is kept out of public voter registration records, individuals enrolled in an ACP can vote without compromising their safety. In most states, ACPs are administered by the Secretary of State, though some are overseen by the Attorney General or other state agencies.

Here is what the enrollment process looks like program participants can continue to vote while keeping their home address protected:

Applicants who are approved for the program receive a free substitute address — often a forwardable mailing address or a P.O. box — that they can use instead of their real home address. In most states, this alternate address is accepted for things like driver's licenses, school registration, voter records, and other official documents, helping keep their actual residence private. Many states also issue participants a membership card, which they can present when signing up for or accessing these services.

When ACP participants register to vote or update their voter information, most states require them to list both their real residential address and their program-issued substitute address on the registration form. They must also show their ACP membership card to verify that they are enrolled in the program. After the registration is processed, the voter's records will display only the ACP substitute address, ensuring that their actual residence is not included in publicly accessible voter list.

In some states, however, ACP members must register using their physical home address. Even in those cases, they can request that their voter file be marked as confidential, so their personal information is shielded from public view.

Once individuals in the ACP are added to the voter rolls, the way they cast their ballots depends on the rules of their state. Some states require ACP voters to vote early and in person at their designated county election office. Others permit them to request an absentee ballot — or automatically send one for every election. In addition, certain states allow ACP participants to vote at their regular polling place on Election Day if they feel comfortable doing so. For those who choose to vote at the polls, the process is the same as it is for voters who are not enrolled in the ACP.

Many states provide special address protection options for people in high-risk public roles — particularly law enforcement officers, judges, and lawmakers — because their work can expose them to harassment, retaliation, or targeted threats. These protections typically allow eligible individuals to keep their residential address off publicly accessible voter lists while still maintaining full voting rights. In some states, the voter's address may be replaced with a work address, a designated mailing address, or the address of the county elections office. The goal is to prevent someone from using voter rolls to locate officials whose decisions or duties may provoke hostility.

Some jurisdictions also permit these public-facing professionals to request additional privacy measures if they can demonstrate a credible safety concern tied to their job. For example, a judge who has presided over high-profile criminal cases or an officer involved in sensitive investigations may qualify for heightened protection. Lawmakers who face persistent threats or harassment related to their public role may also be eligible. While the exact criteria vary by state, these programs recognize that certain occupations carry unique risks and ensure that those who serve in these roles can participate in elections without compromising their personal safety.

In the past few years, people working in elections — whether they are full-time officials, office staff, or temporary poll workers — have faced an unusual surge in hostility. Many have dealt with threatening messages, unfounded accusations about their work, and incidents where their private information was exposed online. This shift has created real safety concerns for individuals who help run elections at every level.

Because of these risks, several states have moved to strengthen legal protections for the people who administer elections. These laws are designed to reduce opportunities for harassment by limiting access to personal details and, in some cases, creating penalties for targeting election workers. The goal is to ensure that those responsible for carrying out elections can do their jobs without fear for their safety.

Here are some protections that are available for election officials and staff: