California election officials frustrated, rattled by DOJ demand to sequester ‘noncitizen’ ballots

The U.S. Department of Justice has issued letters to county election officials across California demanding the identification and sequestration of mail-in ballots suspected of being cast by noncitizens. The directive, issued less than two weeks before the midterm elections, warns that local registrars could face federal scrutiny if they fail to comply with the request to set aside these ballots.

Local election officials have expressed confusion and frustration regarding the federal mandate. The demand has created significant tension between state-level administrators and the federal government during the final stages of the election cycle.