From Newsweek · · 2m
Trump DOJ Flags 20,000 California Voters as Likely Noncitizens
Trump administration seeks court order to halt tabulation of 20,000 California mail ballots until citizenship verified.
In brief
Trump administration seeks court order to halt tabulation of 20,000 California mail ballots until citizenship verified. Trump DOJ claims 20,000 California voters are likely noncitizens and wants court to stop counting their mail ballots until citizenship is confirmed. Originally reported by Newsweek.
DOJ Reveals Voter Flagging Method
The Department of Justice revealed federal investigators flagged more than 20,000 California voters they allege are likely noncitizens.
Multistage Voter Verification Process
USCIS compares voter rolls with internal data to identify possible matches, using third-party software for incomplete information.
High-Confidence Matches Process
High-confidence matches require multiple identifiers to confirm citizenship status through USCIS systems and state records.
California Challenges Methodology
California officials dispute the federal list's accuracy, claiming it lacks detail to be of investigative use.
20,000 vs 190,000 Discrepancy
The federal government initially alleged 190,000 noncitizens on California rolls but now claims 20,000 likely noncitizens.
DOJ Demands Voter Corrections
The DOJ asked California to segregate but not cancel ballots for 20,000 voters before tabulation.
California Rejects DOJ Request
California officials refused to implement the requested process by the DOJ's deadline.
DOJ Sues for Ballot Halt
The DOJ filed a lawsuit to prevent California from tabulating mail ballots of 20,000 likely noncitizens until citizenship verified.
Legal Objections Raised
California claims the DOJ's request violates a federal court order from October 9 regarding voter roll comparisons.
Election Law Expert Concerns
Election law professor Rick Hasen says the lawsuit likely faces legal hurdles due to federal authority limitations.
Midterm Election Context
The Trump administration has made noncitizen voting a major focus ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
California's Response
California Secretary of State Shirley Weber called the lawsuit a 'sad, desperate attempt' to suppress voters less than three weeks before Election Day.
Ballot Counting Deadline
The deadline for California to act expired Thursday as voting was already underway ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
Current Legal Status
The DOJ seeks a preliminary and permanent injunction to halt tabulation of 20,000 California mail ballots until citizenship verified.
What it means
Trump DOJ claims 20,000 California voters are likely noncitizens and wants court to stop counting their mail ballots until citizenship is confirmed.
