Federal Court Hearing Set on DOJ Request to Segregate Over 20,000 California Ballots
Photo: MyNewsLA
A federal court hearing was scheduled for Tuesday regarding the Department of Justice's emergency request to require California election officials to sequester mail ballots from more than 20,000 likely non-citizens before the midterm elections. State officials opposed the request, arguing they lack both the legal authority and the mechanisms to freeze or set aside ballots during ongoing election administration. Meanwhile, federal prosecutors appealed to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals after the district judge did not meet their requested deadline for a ruling.
Read the full story at MyNewsLAWhy It Matters
The lawsuit directly impacts the counting and potential segregation of over 20,000 mail-in ballots in California during an active election cycle, with state officials warning that halting the process risks the timely administration of the General Election.
Key Facts
- A Los Angeles federal court hearing was scheduled for Tuesday on the Trump administration's request for a temporary restraining order.
- The lawsuit seeks to sequester mail ballots from more than 20,000 likely non-citizens on California's voter rolls.
- Federal prosecutors appealed to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals after U.S. District Judge David O. Carter did not meet their requested ruling deadline.
- California Secretary of State Shirley Weber and Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Dean Logan stated they lack the legal authority and mechanisms to freeze mail ballots.
- Voting and ballot processing are already underway in Los Angeles County for the General Election.
- Federal officials claimed in July that California had 190,000 non-citizens on its voter rolls, but allegedly provided no proof when requested by the state.
- Los Angeles County officials described the evidence for the voter roll maintenance list as entirely unreliable.