DOJ sues California to block counting of 20,000 mail ballots

DOJ sues California to block counting of 20,000 mail ballots

Politics

The U. S. Justice Department sued California, asking a federal court to block the counting of mail ballots from about 20,000 voters it says are likely non-citizens.

The filing was made in Los Angeles federal court. The lawsuit follows earlier DOJ actions that began with letters demanding California officials review a list of suspected non-citizen voters and segregate their ballots ahead of the 2026 election, and a subsequent order giving the state 48 hours to verify the citizenship of those voters. State officials in Los Angeles County have strongly objected to the suit.

Actors

U.S. Justice Department Acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter Los Angeles County election officials Department of Homeland Security DOJ spokesperson Kiersten Pels

Locations

Los Angeles, California, United States Washington, DC, United States

Fact Check

How these metrics work
Verdict: Partially confirmed Confidence: 70% Claims: 3
At a glance

The claim that the Justice Department sent a letter on October 14, 2026, to Los Angeles County election officials requesting a rapid review of presumed non-citizen voters is partially confirmed. The claim that the Justice Department threatened emergency legal action if the request is not met is also partially confirmed. Additionally, the claim that the Justice Department warned of potential court action if the citizenship confirmation request is not fulfilled is partially confirmed.

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Articles

October 15, 2026
2 total
Justice Department files lawsuit to halt counting of 20,000 California mail ballots
Justice Department files lawsuit to halt counting of 20,000 California mail ballots

Los Angeles Times • 15 Oct 19:04

The U.S. Justice Department sued California, seeking an injunction to stop the state from counting mail ballots for roughly 20,000 voters it claims may be non-citizens, prompting strong objections from state officials.

Credibility 72% Manip. 12% Center
Justice Department sues California over verification of mail-in voter citizenship
Justice Department sues California over verification of mail-in voter citizenship

CNBC • 15 Oct 17:13

The U.S. Justice Department filed a lawsuit seeking a court order to set aside mail ballots from voters it deems likely non-citizens until their citizenship can be confirmed, prompting strong objections from California officials.

Credibility 72% Manip. 12% Center
October 14, 2026
3 total
Justice Department warns California of legal action over alleged noncitizen mail ballots
Justice Department warns California of legal action over alleged noncitizen mail ballots

NBC News • 14 Oct 20:48

The DOJ sent letters to California officials demanding a review of a list of potential noncitizen voters and the segregation of their mail ballots ahead of the 2026 election, a move state officials say lacks legal authority.

Credibility 78% Manip. 32% Left
DOJ Gives California 48 Hours to Verify Citizenship of Voters on Federal List
DOJ Gives California 48 Hours to Verify Citizenship of Voters on Federal List

Los Angeles Times • 14 Oct 17:38

The Justice Department ordered California election officials to confirm the citizenship of voters flagged as potential noncitizens within two days, warning of possible court action if the request is not met.

Credibility 71% Manip. 27% Center
Justice Department warns California officials to verify alleged non-citizen voters within 48 hours
Justice Department warns California officials to verify alleged non-citizen voters within 48 hours

CNN • 14 Oct 15:17

The Justice Department sent a letter to Los Angeles County election officials demanding a rapid review of a list of presumed non-citizen voters, threatening emergency legal action if the request is not met.

Credibility 72% Manip. 32% Left

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