Event Brief
UPDATED Oct 16, 2026 at 11:04 PM ET
Oct 14, 2026 at 4:02 PM ET
DOJ warns California election officials over ballot processing
By The BriefBrief
The Justice Department warned California officials that processing and tabulating ballots submitted by suspected noncitizens could expose them to criminal investigation and prosecution. The letter, from acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter, followed the administration’s lawsuit seeking to stop California from counting mail ballots from people the federal government has identified as likely noncitizens until their immigration status is confirmed.
WHO: The Justice Department, in a letter from acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter
WHAT: Warned California officials that processing and tabulating ballots submitted by suspected noncitizens could put them at risk of criminal investigation and prosecution.
WHEN: Oct 16, 2026
WHERE: California, USA
WHY: The warning concerned officials processing ballots from people the federal government had identified as likely noncitizens, which the letter said could involve facilitating unlawful voting in a federal election.
How this story developed (showing 3 of 3 earlier reports)
Reporting from 8 identified publishers across this event arc.
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