Judge Denies Democratic Bid to Block Non-Citizen Ballot Purge

U.S. Chief District Judge James Boasberg denied a request for a temporary injunction on Monday, clearing the way for the United States Department of Justice to pressure states to set aside mail-in ballots from suspected non-citizens. The ruling came less than 24 hours before the midterm elections.

Democratic Party groups sought the legal block to prevent the federal government from providing states with lists of potentially tens of thousands of individuals whose citizenship status is questioned. The Justice Department intends to use these lists to identify and isolate ballots from people the federal government identifies as likely non-citizens.

Democratic groups argue the move is part of a broader effort to influence the outcome of the election. The court's decision allows the Justice Department to proceed with its efforts to coordinate with state election officials regarding the validity of these specific mail-in votes.