Trump Justice Department Pressures California on Voter Rolls
The Justice Department, under the Trump administration, is compelling California Governor Gavin Newsom to examine a list of potential noncitizens on the state’s voter registration rolls or face legal consequences.
California Secretary of State Shirley Weber received a letter indicating concerns that noncitizens might have been mailed ballots prior to the crucial midterm elections set for November 3. In this communication, acting Deputy U.S. Attorney General Trent McCotter requests the state to review a list of individuals who may have received ballots, framing it as a matter of urgency with a 48-hour timeline.
It’s worth noting that California automatically sends ballots to all registered voters.
“On July 16, Secretary [Markwayne] Mullin alerted you that there are likely numerous noncitizens registered to vote in California’s federal election,” the correspondence states, mentioning that the Department of Homeland Security has asked for cooperation on this issue.
Furthermore, the letter suggests that California’s response did not successfully dispute the idea that noncitizens are registered to vote. It points out that noncitizens, indeed, receive ballots through the state’s method of mailing ballots to every registered voter.
The letter elaborates that a password-protected thumb drive with the names was sent to the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s office. It threatens further legal action if the state does not address the situation within the stipulated 48-hour period.
“For individuals whose citizenship status cannot be confirmed, we ask that you promptly instruct the relevant elections office to segregate those ballots until their status can be verified, not cancel them,” it adds.
“The United States expects your commitment to ensuring that only American citizens can participate in federal elections,” the letter warns. “Allowing noncitizens to vote undermines the votes of citizens.”
According to the letter, states have the responsibility for voter registration, while the federal government handles immigration records to aid in citizenship verification. It emphasizes working together to prevent voter dilution and maintain election integrity.
“If this process cannot be implemented in time, particularly given the impending federal election, the United States will have no alternative but to seek emergency relief,” the correspondence states.
Weber’s office, however, responded on Wednesday, noting that they had not directly received any list to review. Instead, it was only the Los Angeles Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s office that received the thumb drive containing the names. They also labeled Mullin’s assertions regarding noncitizens on voter rolls as “unsubstantiated.”
Weber commented, “The U.S. DOJ’s persistent attempts to unlawfully access state-protected voter data and purge voter rolls only serve to create chaos and weaken public trust in our elections. California has strong state laws in place ensuring that only U.S. citizens can register to vote and that any non-eligible registrants are removed. My office, along with California election officials, remains dedicated to ensuring a fair and smooth General Election in 2026.”
