Federal Election Crime Charges Target California Green Card Holders

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has recently charged 28 green-card holders in California with election crimes, alleging that they illegally registered to vote or cast ballots in U.S. elections. In addition, the DOJ filed an emergency request asking a federal court to require California to segregate and delay counting ballots from voters listed on a federal “likely noncitizen” roster. The agency also sued California and Los Angeles County after local officials declined to investigate the administration’s claims of non-citizen voting. California officials have asked the federal government for clarification on the allegations but have not yet received a response.

NPR

Election-law specialist Miles Parks expressed doubt that the DOJ will succeed in forcing a change to California’s voting process, noting the proximity of the upcoming midterm election and the fact that ballots have already been distributed. Other experts warned that federal accusations could be used to confiscate ballots during counting, a scenario they view as risky for election integrity. County election offices are reportedly preparing for potential legal challenges by keeping their attorneys on standby.

NPR

• Charges filed: 28 green-card holders in California.

NPR

• Legal actions: Emergency request to segregate ballots; lawsuits against the state and Los Angeles County.

NPR

• Timeline: The DOJ’s moves come roughly two weeks before the midterm election, when most ballots have already been mailed to voters.

NPR

The emergency request remains pending, and California continues to seek clarification from the DOJ. Legal analysts expect further court filings as both federal and state officials prepare for possible litigation in the weeks leading up to the election. The outcome could influence how non-citizen voting allegations are handled in future elections.

NPR