California rejects two-day federal order to check 20,000 ballots

An appeals court is scheduled to hear arguments on Tuesday regarding a federal order that requires California counties to verify the citizenship status of 20,000 voters within 48 hours. The deadline was issued by federal prosecutors on Friday, less than two weeks before the midterm elections.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta accused the Department of Justice of using the law as a political tool in the run-up to the vote. He stated that the department is acting at the direction of President Donald Trump. Bonta told MS Now, "It is once again the United States Department of Justice politicizing and weaponizing the law to attack its enemies, and it is completely improper."

The federal request asks county election officials to provide information to the Department of Homeland Security for a quick citizenship check. The Justice Department described the effort as a measure to secure the election. In a statement, the department said, "With their help, we can ensure the most secure election in California history."

State election personnel warn that the short timeline could cause confusion and disenfranchise eligible citizens. Officials in Los Angeles reported that a high percentage of the individuals named on the federal list were born in the United States. Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the process on social media, noting that counties received lists including people who never voted and voters from the wrong county. He called the situation an "Absolute clown show!"

Bonta questioned the basis for the federal list, noting that officials received only names without an explanation of why those people were considered ineligible. He said at a recent press conference, "If they have such information, we would be happy to review it, but they've provided none."

The Justice Department also charged 28 foreign nationals with fraudulently registering to vote. Bill Essayli, the first assistant US attorney, said the arrests proved that California was mailing ballots to noncitizens. The defendants are lawful permanent residents who hold legal status in the US but are not citizens eligible to vote. Congressman Pete Aguilar, who represents south-west San Bernardino county, wrote that voter intimidation has no place in the democracy.

Some state officials took no action on the letters sent Friday, citing the rapidly approaching election. This inaction triggered a legal fight with the Justice Department. The appeals court will hear the matter on Tuesday.