From The Boston Globe · · 1m 30s
Justice Department Charges Over 20 in California Voter Sweep
Federal authorities charged 28 noncitizen voters in California as part of Operation Protect the Vote.
In brief
Federal authorities charged 28 noncitizen voters in California as part of Operation Protect the Vote. The Justice Department charged 28 people in California for illegal voting, accusing state officials of facilitating noncitizen voter fraud. Originally reported by The Boston Globe.
Federal Charges in California
Federal authorities charged more than two dozen foreign nationals in California as part of a statewide sweep targeting alleged noncitizen voters.
Trump Administration Focus
The arrests are part of a Trump administration effort to root out noncitizen voting ahead of next month’s midterm elections.
California Blamed for Fraud
Federal officials blamed California officials for facilitating noncitizen voting through inadequate voter roll maintenance and hiding it from the public.
Operation Protect the Vote
The Justice Department charged 28 people as lawful permanent residents who are not citizens permitted to legally vote.
Trent McCotter's Statement
Trent McCotter, acting deputy attorney general, said the charges cause real damage to real elections and real American citizens.
California's Response
California’s Democratic attorney general said there is no widespread voter fraud and that one-off examples are a drop in the bucket.
Federal Lawsuit Against California
The Justice Department sued California and warned local election workers who process noncitizen ballots risk investigation and prosecution.
20,000 Names in Dispute
The federal government identified 20,000 names as likely noncitizens who were sent ballots for the Nov. 3 election.
Omar Muñoz Arrested
A 72-year-old Belize-born man was arrested for voting illegally in four elections.
The takeaway
The Justice Department charged 28 people in California for illegal voting, accusing state officials of facilitating noncitizen voter fraud.
