California leaders challenge federal review of suspected noncitizen ballots

Los Angeles officials say a high percentage of listed people were U.S.-born

Less than two weeks before the midterms, the justice department asked California election officials to verify within 48 hours a list of about 20,000 ballots belonging to suspected noncitizens. California leaders challenged that request, and election personnel said the directive could disenfranchise citizens.

The verification effort came amid a national Republican effort against alleged voter fraud, particularly cases among undocumented immigrants.

In a statement, the justice department said: “We are asking each county election official to commit to working with us by providing the necessary information for DHS to quickly verify citizenship status. With their help, we can ensure the most secure election in California history.”

Los Angeles officials said a “high percentage” of the individuals on the list were born in the United States. California election personnel said the rapid verification directive could disenfranchise citizens.

Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized the federal effort on social media, writing: “Trump’s DOJ is so desperate to invent ‘widespread voter fraud,’ it sent California counties lists of people who NEVER voted – and voters from the WRONG COUNTY. Absolute clown show!”

Congressman Pete Aguilar, who represents south-west San Bernardino County, said in a social media post: “Voter intimidation has no place in our democracy.”

California Attorney General Rob Bonta also questioned the evidence behind the list. At a recent press conference, he said: “All they provided was a list of people and nothing about why they’re purportedly ineligible. If they have such information, we would be happy to review it, but they’ve provided none.”

The justice department also charged 28 foreign nationals, accusing them of fraudulently registering to vote. First assistant US attorney Bill Essayli said in a statement: “Today’s arrests prove what we have been saying,” and added: “California is mailing ballots to noncitizens, and they are refusing to comply with federal law, which makes it a crime for noncitizens to vote. The voting rights of American citizens must be protected.”

Some state officials took no action, citing the fast-approaching election. That inaction led to a legal battle with the justice department, and an appeals court is set to hear the matter Tuesday.