Justice Department Directs California Counties to Review Voter Rolls
The U.S. Justice Department has directed election officials in California counties to identify suspected noncitizens on voter rolls and set aside their mail-in ballots, warning of criminal liability for knowingly counting votes from noncitizens.
Tampa St. Petersburg, FL, October 25, 2026 —
The U.S. Justice Department has directed election officials in California counties to identify people suspected of being noncitizens on voter rolls and set aside their mail-in ballots. The department also warned that officials could face criminal liability for knowingly counting votes cast by noncitizens.
The information provided does not identify which California counties received the direction, how many voters or ballots may be affected, or when officials were instructed to act. It also does not describe how suspected noncitizens are to be identified or what procedures counties should follow when setting ballots aside.
The department’s warning, as described, concerns the knowing counting of votes from noncitizens. No additional details were provided about the legal basis cited for the direction, the scope of the warning, or whether any ballots have been set aside. The information also does not say whether county officials have responded or taken action.
The scope and implementation of the directive therefore remain unclear based on the available details. The Justice Department’s direction and warning are the only specific actions described; no information was provided about subsequent decisions, investigations, or outcomes.
Story summarized from the original created by Karina Tsui, Maria Aguilar Prieto, Isa Mudannayake on www.tampabay28.com, see more information here.
