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Politics · October 24, 2026

California election officials frustrated, rattled by DOJ demand to sequester 'noncitizen' ballots

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The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a directive to California election officials demanding they sequester and verify the citizenship status of roughly 20,000 ballots ahead of the midterm elections. The DOJ sent letters to numerous counties across the state, giving officials a 48-hour deadline to cross-reference voter lists with federal data or face potential legal action. This move follows a lawsuit aimed at blocking the counting of suspected noncitizen votes. California state officials and local registrars have criticized the move as an attempt to undermine election integrity, while federal authorities maintain the measures are necessary to prevent illegal voting by noncitizens. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has ordered the state to respond to the DOJ's emergency request.

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Reported across the spectrum

  • The DOJ sent letters to California county election officials demanding they set aside certain ballots.
  • The directive concerns approximately 20,000 voters suspected of being noncitizens.
  • Election officials were given a 48-hour deadline to comply with the request for verification.
  • Noncitizen voting is illegal under federal and state law.
  • The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ordered California to respond to the DOJ's emergency filing by Saturday noon.

Reported by only some outlets

  • The DOJ provided a specific list of 1,133 'likely aliens' to San Bernardino County.
  • The DOJ letters reportedly threaten criminal penalties for election officials who count the disputed ballots.
  • The DOJ sent letters to 57 out of California's 58 counties.
  • California Attorney General Rob Bonta described the DOJ's actions as 'weaponizing the law' during a media appearance.

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