U.S. Justice Department demanded that California counties identify and set aside ballots likely cast by noncitizens

Updated 2026-10-30 · told from many outlets at once

A U.S. appeals court rejected the Trump administration's request to block 20,000 mail-in ballots in California. The Justice Department claimed over 20,000 voters may be noncitizens and accused California of allowing noncitizens to vote. The government sent letters to 57 of California's 58 counties demanding voter list verification. A federal judge denied the request to prevent counting disputed ballots and said the federal government's action violates constitutional principles on state election control.

• A US appeals court rejected the administration's request to stop California from counting mail ballots.
• A federal judge rejected the Trump administration's request to block 20,000 ballots in California.
• The Justice Department alleged that over 20,000 registered voters in California might be noncitizens.
• California has 52 seats in the House of Representatives.
• California stated that the Justice Department's assertions relied on suspect data.
• The Department of Justice warned California election officials to identify noncitizens on voter lists or face legal action.
• The Trump administration sued California over a federal deadline to set aside ballots for up to 20,000 flagged people.
• Judge Carter stated the Justice Department's request violated constitutional principles regarding state election control.
• The Department of Justice immediately appealed the judge's ruling.
• Justice Department officials stated 28 people were criminally charged with illegally voting.
• The government initially claimed 190,000 illegal voters in California.
• Federal government filed a lawsuit asking a judge to prevent the state from counting mail-in ballots from people it identified as possibly not citizens.
• The judge warned the measure would cause disruption and alter ongoing elections.
• The department sent letters to 57 of California's 58 counties.
• The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals issued a 2-1 ruling.
• Federal government set a 48-hour deadline to deliver the requested information.
• First Assistant U.S. Atty. Bill Essayli stated American voters are being disenfranchised.

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