Justice Department Dismisses Lawsuit Over Ballot Count in California
On Friday, the U.S. Justice Department officially moved to voluntarily dismiss its lawsuit aimed at challenging the counting of 20,000 ballots in California, stating that the relief it was seeking is now unattainable due to the conclusion of the midterm elections.
Background of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit, initiated by the Justice Department, sought a court order to require election officials in California and Los Angeles County to set aside ballots that were claimed to potentially belong to noncitizen voters. However, both U.S. District Judge David O. Carter and a three-judge panel from the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected these requests. Additionally, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to entertain an appeal from the Trump administration.
Judge’s Ruling and Implications
Judge Carter had indicated that the government’s request might be unconstitutional, highlighting that the Constitution grants states and Congress authority over elections, with restrictions on the executive branch’s involvement. Furthermore, he pointed out that federal laws prevent broad vetting of voter rolls shortly before an election.
Despite his rulings, Carter had initiated a series of additional fact-finding measures, including appointing a special master to investigate the data used by the government to claim that the 20,000 ballots originated from noncitizens.
Dismissal of the Case
In a filing submitted before Judge Carter, Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Hamill indicated that the court’s processes were now unnecessary, as they would no longer yield the desired outcome. She noted, “In light of the Supreme Court’s denial…there is then no way to get the challenged ballots segregated,” rendering a voluntary dismissal essential.
Future Actions and Reactions
Hamill emphasized that the Trump administration would continue its efforts to safeguard American votes and prevent the dilution of votes by noncitizens. The administration is still pursuing a separate case aimed at compelling California to conduct proper maintenance of voter lists, including the removal of noncitizens.
California Secretary of State Shirley Weber did not provide immediate commentary regarding the dismissal, but L.A. County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Dean Logan expressed satisfaction with the conclusion of the lawsuit, stating that the findings of the court clarified the responsibilities of election officials regarding voter eligibility verification.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta remarked on the case’s dismissal, stating, “the Trump Administration has given up its latest unlawful effort to interfere with California’s elections and disenfranchise eligible voters.” He reinforced California’s commitment to protecting voting rights.
Looking Ahead
Tricia Webber, president of the California Association of Clerks and Election Officials, expressed optimism about the ruling while acknowledging the continued potential for future challenges to California’s election administration. She stated, “We will always stand ready to protect every eligible voter’s right to participate in a fair and secure election process.”
The dismissal of the lawsuit follows a tumultuous lead-up to the midterm elections, highlighting ongoing tensions between federal and state election governance. As election officials prepare for future electoral processes, the implications of this case will likely continue to be felt in discussions surrounding voter eligibility and election integrity.
