Justice Department Seeks Missouri 2020 Voting Machines Access

During President Donald Trump's second term, the U.S. Department of Justice sought access to Dominion Voting Systems equipment used in the 2020 election in two Missouri counties, signaling an unusual and controversial effort to oversee election processes. County clerks declined the requests, citing state and federal laws prohibiting unauthorized access to election equipment, as well as concerns about breaking the chain of custody which could compromise election integrity. The DOJ's outreach is part of a broader push by the Trump administration in the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections, despite legal experts warning that these demands exceed the department's authority. Dominion, frequently targeted by conspiracy theories alleging election fraud without evidence, has successfully defended itself through large defamation settlements with conservative media outlets. Election officials and experts emphasize that allowing federal access to voting machines could lead to legal violations and operational disruptions, with some officials urging compliance while others resist to protect election security. This ongoing DOJ initiative reflects President Trump's continued efforts to question the legitimacy of the 2020 election results, despite no verified evidence of fraud.