Trump administration voting lawsuit against California: federal appeals court to hear arguments over disputed noncitizen list
Sunday hearing set
The federal appeals court has scheduled a rare Sunday hearing in the Justice Department’s voting lawsuit against California. A three-judge panel will consider the department’s effort to separate ballots associated with people it alleges are noncitizens.
California disputes list
California officials say the list has not been verified and includes lawful voters. The Justice Department recently announced charges against roughly 28 people from the list, alleging voting and immigration-related crimes.
Los Angeles officials said in court papers filed earlier this week that a preliminary review of 200 names from the 20,000-person list found a “high percentage” who said they were born in the United States. The officials also said many others had no voting history.
Federal requests to counties
The letter asked counties to work with the Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security within 48 hours to determine which people on an accompanying list were citizens. It also warned that actions risking federal scrutiny could bring legal exposure.
Key points
- A three-judge federal appeals panel is scheduled to hear the case Sunday.
- The panel includes two Trump appointees and one Biden appointee.
- California says the list is unverified and includes lawful voters.
- Los Angeles officials reviewed 200 names from a list of 20,000.