Justice Department sues California over ballots of suspected noncitizens
The federal government asked a court to stop California from counting about 20,000 ballots it suspects came from non-citizens. State officials criticized the lawsuit.
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What happened
The U.S. Justice Department first gave California election officials 48 hours to prove the citizenship of voters it flagged as potential noncitizens, or withhold their ballots. A voting rights group warned it would sue if the department did not back away from the demand. The department then sued California and asked a federal court to bar the state from counting ballots from about 20,000 voters it suspects are not citizens.
Why it matters
The dispute centers on whether California can count ballots from voters the federal government suspects are not U.S. citizens. The Trump administration is also demanding records from Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties.
Timeline
- Oct 14, 1:38 PM ET: The Justice Department gave California 48 hours to prove the citizenship of flagged voters or withhold their ballots.
- Oct 14, 5:43 PM ET: A voting rights group warned the department it plans to sue unless it backs away from the demand.
- Oct 15, 3:04 PM ET: The department sued California and asked a federal court to stop the state counting about 20,000 ballots.
- Oct 15, 5:51 PM ET: The Trump administration demanded records from Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties in its search for noncitizen voting.
Coverage
- Trump sues California over allegations of noncitizens registering to vote (CalMatters)
- Justice Dept. sues California, asks court to force state to stop counting 20,000 ballots (Los Angeles Times)
- Justice Department faces legal threats after pushing California to match voter list with USB drive (The Hill)
- Justice Department threatens California with legal action over claim of noncitizens on voter rolls (PBS)
- Justice Dept. demands California prove citizenship for lists of voters or withhold ballots (Los Angeles Times)
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