The Trump administration has stepped up its scrutiny of California’s election process ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, warning local officials who handle and tabulate ballots submitted by suspected noncitizen voters that they could face criminal investigation and potential prosecution.
In a statement released earlier this week, the Department of Justice cautioned that ballots cast by individuals who may not be U.S. citizens could be subject to legal action if they are found to be in violation of federal voting laws.
California officials, who oversee the collection and counting of ballots for the state’s elections, are therefore advised to exercise heightened vigilance when reviewing voter eligibility and ballot submissions.
The warning comes as the administration intensifies its focus on election integrity issues in states that are key battlegrounds for the midterm election scheduled for next month.
Officials in California have not yet responded to the Department of Justice’s notice, but the warning underscores the federal government’s ongoing concerns about noncitizen voting and the potential legal ramifications for those who process such ballots.
<small>Source: PBS NewsHour — read the original story there.</small>
