Justice Department Sues California Over Noncitizen Voter Ballots

The United States Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against California, alleging the state mailed ballots to thousands of likely noncitizens. The action is part of a Trump administration initiative to increase scrutiny of state voter rolls to prevent illegal voting and increase election confidence before the upcoming midterm elections.

Acting Deputy U.S. Attorney Trent McCotter issued a 48-hour deadline for California to review a list of suspected noncitizens, warning that noncompliance could trigger emergency legal action. The federal government's push follows a Supreme Court of the United States decision that permits the use of the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements program, operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, to verify voter eligibility.

California Secretary of State Shirley Weber rejected the federal demands, stating they lack both evidence and legal authority. Weber maintained that existing state laws already restrict voter registration to U.S. citizens.