DOJ Pressures California Counties to Identify Noncitizen Voters

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a stern warning to election officials in California, pushing them to collaborate in identifying registered voters who may not be citizens. This initiative signifies a heightened effort by the Trump administration as the midterm elections approach. Local officials are facing potential legal risks if they do not comply.

Letters to Local Election Authorities

On Friday, the DOJ dispatched letters to 57 counties in California, underscoring the urgency of their request. Among those, Los Angeles County received correspondence last week as well.

A specific letter addressed to Joani Finwall, the Registrar of Voters in San Bernardino County, detailed the steps that need to be taken. The communication, authored by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bilal Essayli, included a list of 1,133 individuals deemed “likely aliens.”

Time-Sensitive Action Required

In his letter, Essayli demanded a response within 48 hours, urging counties to work alongside the DOJ and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to ascertain the citizenship status of those listed. He clearly stated that any mail-in ballots should not be sent or counted for individuals on the list until their citizenship is verified.

To that end, Essayli requested that election officials “segregate” ballots from individuals whose citizenship status remains unconfirmed, ensuring those votes are not counted until verification occurs.

Legal Implications of Noncompliance

The letter carries significant weight in terms of legal ramifications. Essayli warned that facilitating voting by noncitizens is a federal crime. He cautioned election officials that processing ballots from individuals identified on the list could expose them to serious legal consequences.

“Every election official who processes a noncitizen's ballot opens themselves to legal jeopardy,” Essayli conveyed, stating the importance of adhering to the directives laid out in the correspondence.

Political Reactions

The response to the DOJ's demand has been met with criticism from various political figures. Senator Alex Padilla, representing California, mentioned that the Trump administration has yet to provide substantial evidence for claims regarding widespread voter fraud. He emphasized that the data referenced by the DOJ is often “inaccurate and unreliable.”

Senator Padilla insisted that despite the numerous lawsuits and threats from the DOJ, they lack the jurisdiction to interfere with state election procedures.

Focus on California Ahead of Midterms

As the midterm elections draw near, the Trump administration has placed considerable focus on curtailing alleged noncitizen voting, particularly targeting California—a state with a significant Democratic voter base. Recent actions include lawsuits aimed at blocking the counting of more than 20,000 mail-in ballots suspected to be cast by noncitizens. The administration has petitioned the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in an effort to enforce restrictions ahead of a ruling from a lower court.

The DOJ's insistence on local election officials aiding in the identification of noncitizen voters raises concerns regarding voter access and the risk of disenfranchisement for eligible voters. As discussions continue, the impact of these demands on the upcoming election remains to be seen.