Justice Department threatens California with legal action over claim of noncitizens on voter rolls
Quick Look
The Justice Department has warned California of possible legal action over mail ballots allegedly sent to noncitizens, providing Los Angeles County with a list of names and demanding verification within 48 hours or ballot segregation.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Justice Department has raised concerns about noncitizens receiving mail ballots in California ahead of the midterm elections, prompting a demand for verification within 48 hours.
LOS ANGELES -- The Justice Department has threatened California with possible legal action over what it says are noncitizens believed to have received mail ballots for next month’s midterm elections.
A letter Tuesday to Secretary of State Shirley Weber from Trent McCotter, the acting deputy attorney general, says that the Justice Department has provided officials in Los Angeles County with a password-protected thumb drive with a list of names the federal government believes are likely noncitizens.
The letter obtained by The Associated Press gives the state 48 hours to determine whether any citizens are listed. For individuals whose citizenship cannot be independently verified, the state is to instruct local election officials to segregate their ballots until their status can be determined. It warns that legal action may follow.
Neither the California Secretary of State nor the Los Angeles County Registrar immediately responded to requests seeking comment.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
California will respond to the Justice Department's letter within the 48-hour deadline
Likely · Within days
Legal action may be pursued if California does not comply with the Justice Department's demands
Possible · Within weeks
Open Questions
- How many names are on the list provided to Los Angeles County?
- What specific criteria did the Justice Department use to identify likely noncitizens?
- What legal basis does the Justice Department have for threatening action over mail ballot distribution?
