Justice Department Warns California Officials Over Ballots From Suspected Noncitizens

Lubbock, TX, October 16, 2026 —

The U.S. Justice Department has warned California officials that they could face potential criminal prosecution for processing ballots from people suspected of being noncitizens, according to the available summary of the development.

The summary does not identify the officials who received the warning, say when it was issued or specify which Justice Department office delivered it. It also does not describe any particular ballots, election or alleged instance of processing. No prosecution or other follow-up action is reported.

The wording refers to people who are suspected of being noncitizens; the summary does not say that their citizenship status was established. It also does not explain what “processing” means in this context or identify the legal basis cited for the potential prosecutions. Those details are not available in the information provided.

The warning, as described, raises the possibility of criminal prosecution but does not establish that charges have been filed or that officials have been found to have acted unlawfully. The summary provides no response from California officials and no further information about the Justice Department’s position. Without those details, the scope and status of the warning remain unclear.

Story summarized from the original created by ERIC TUCKER, Associated Press on www.everythinglubbock.com, see more information here.

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