DOJ Gives California 48-Hour Ultimatum on Noncitizen Voters
Federal authorities demand a review of suspected noncitizen voters or face potential court action.
The Justice Department has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to California, demanding a review of alleged noncitizen voters on the state's master list or facing potential legal action. The ultimatum was delivered Tuesday in a letter from the Justice Department to Secretary of State Shirley Weber, according to Reuters.
Federal officials reportedly provided Los Angeles County with a password-protected thumb drive containing a list of individuals believed to be noncitizens who were sent mail-in ballots. The Justice Department is requesting that California cease sending ballots to anyone on the list until their citizenship status is confirmed, segregate any ballots cast by individuals on the list, and withhold counting any already returned ballots.
In the letter, Acting Deputy Attorney General R. Trent McCotter stated, "Allowing noncitizens to vote cancels citizen votes." He also indicated that the department would seek emergency court intervention if state officials do not comply.
Justice Department spokeswoman Kiersten Pels confirmed the letter to Reuters, adding that the department intends to pursue legal action to protect election integrity and enforce federal law. The Trump administration has frequently raised concerns about voter fraud and noncitizen voting, though studies suggest such instances are rare. A Reuters investigation in the past found that software glitches and clerical errors may have led to tens of thousands of noncitizens being registered to vote nationwide since 2000.
California officials from the Secretary of State's and Governor's offices did not immediately respond to requests for comment.