DOJ moves to drop its lawsuit asking California to set aside alleged noncitizen ballots
The Justice Department has moved to dismiss its lawsuit against California, which sought to prevent the counting of approximately 20,000 ballots allegedly cast by noncitizens. This decision comes shortly after Republican losses in midterm elections and after California officials and a federal judge deemed the list of alleged noncitizens outdated and inaccurate. The lawsuit was part of the Trump administration's broader efforts to assert control over state elections.
Why it matters
This dismissal impacts ongoing debates about election integrity and the balance of power between federal and state governments in managing voter eligibility. It also highlights the legal challenges surrounding claims of illegal voting and the verification of voter status.
The Justice Department on Friday moved to dismiss its own lawsuit that sought to stop California from counting roughly 20,000 ballots it alleged went to noncitizens until their immigration status could be verified.The request to dismiss the case comes days after Republicans' significant losses in the midterm elections and about a week before a scheduled hearing where a special master was slated to evaluate the accuracy of the list. California officials have previously said the list is out of date and includes legitimate voters — a sentiment that the federal judge presiding over the case echoed in his blistering order denying the federal government's request.The case was at the forefront of the Trump administration's effort to assert control over state-run elections across the country, which Mr.
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