California Election Officials Detail Mental Toll of Justice Department Threats

California election officials have described the Justice Department's legal threats as having a significant impact on their mental health and their ability to perform their duties, according to court documents filed Friday. The Justice Department issued grand jury subpoenas to local election officials as part of its criminal investigation into the state's voter rolls.

In Santa Clara County, top election official Matt Morales stated that the federal government's conduct has had and continues to have a severe chilling effect on his staff and himself. He noted that training for election workers and volunteers had to be updated to address de-escalation and safety protocols in case of disruptions from law enforcement or federal agents near vote centers.

Kristin Connelly, registrar for Contra Costa County, expressed frustration and stress over the energy she has had to devote to responding to the threats, calling the prospect of her staff leaving their positions due to these actions "horrifying."

San Benito County Registrar Francisco Diaz reported feeling fear and anxiety when Homeland Security officials delivered a letter threatening him with prosecution. He recounted needing to create an emergency plan for how his office would operate if he were unable to be present, a scenario that amplified his anxiety and prompted thoughts of notifying his parents and wife.

These declarations were part of a legal effort to persuade a federal judge to halt the Justice Department's actions. They represent the first extensive public comments from local election leaders since the Justice Department warned them of potential criminal liability.

On Friday, a federal judge temporarily blocked the Justice Department from threatening state and local election officials. U.S. District Judge Trina Thompson issued a temporary restraining order through November 16 as part of a lawsuit filed by a coalition of civil rights groups and labor unions. The order prohibits the Justice Department from threatening, intimidating, or coercing election officials to halt the processing of any registered voter's ballot solely because the individual is alleged to be ineligible to vote.

Election officials warned that the administration's actions could hinder their ability to carry out their duties. Several officials expressed concern that volunteers and staff might resign, complicating the process of accurately counting votes. Morales cautioned that such interference is likely to be immensely disruptive to county election procedures, including the timely tabulation and certification of results.

Diaz reported that four poll workers in San Benito County did not report to work on Friday, suggesting that the added stress and anxiety might have contributed to their absences.

The Justice Department has previously stated it would not comment on the grand jury subpoenas but maintained that while a civil remedy is available, noncitizen voting is a matter properly addressed through criminal law.