Federal Appeals Court Rejects Justice Department Bid To Set Aside California Ballots

Court Ruling

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a request from the Justice Department to set aside disputed ballots received in the midterm election in California. A panel issued a 2-1 ruling, marking another setback for Trump administration efforts to assert control over state-run elections. The administration alleged that California sent ballots to about 20,000 people who may not be U.S. citizens, asking the state to segregate those votes until citizenship could be verified. California officials stated the list is unreliable and includes many American citizens. A district court judge previously denied the request, warning that such demands could disenfranchise citizens.

Voter List Inquiries

The Justice Department filed a notice stating it sent letters to all 50 states to remind them of their obligation to preserve election records for 22 months after an election. This came in a lawsuit overseen by District Judge James Boasberg in Washington, D.C., brought by Democratic groups and officials over administration pressure on voter rolls. The government confirmed that federal agencies contacted election officials in five states about potentially ineligible voters. DHS and the Justice Department communicated with California, Nevada, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Washington. Officials stated that letters sent to California, Nevada, and Pennsylvania asked states to work with DHS to verify individuals identified as potential noncitizens without demanding that states remove or withhold voters.

Campaign Updates

In Alaska, independent Senate candidate Daniel J. Sullivan left his hometown of Petersburg earlier this week. Multiple sources confirmed the trip following a report that he was recruited by operatives linked to Democrat Mary Peltola's campaign. Peltola denied any involvement or knowledge of the scheme, while facing criticism over the report. Residents noted they never saw campaign materials or a platform for Sullivan. In Maine, incumbent Sen. Susan Collins attended a groundbreaking ceremony for a new childcare facility at Greenville Consolidated School. Collins secured over $1.5 million in federal funding for the project, which will accommodate more than 60 children and house a recreation center. In New York City, Democratic Socialists of America members Darializa Avila Chevalier and Claire Valdez are running for Congress in heavily Democratic districts. Analysts attribute their primary victories over experienced opponents partly to endorsements from Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Context

Election disputes and federal oversight of voter rolls frequently draw legal challenges from political parties and state officials as voting deadlines approach. Federal law outlines specific record-keeping duties for election authorities following federal contests across the country.