DOJ files suit against CA county over noncitizen voters

The U. S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is suing the Orange County registrar of voters.

- The lawsuit is due to non-compliance in providing records about noncitizen removals from voter registration lists.

- Allegations include failure to maintain accurate voter lists.

Key Findings

- A family member of a non-citizen reported they received an unsolicited mail-in ballot in Orange County.

- DOJ requested records on voter registrations canceled since January 2020 for citizenship issues.

- Records requested included voting histories of noncitizens.

Responses and Legal Points

- The Orange County Registrar of Voters (OCR) provided some information but redacted personal details per California law.

- DOJ argued that federal law overrides state law on this matter.

- Federal law allows certain records to be exempt from disclosure under the 1993 National Voter Registration Act.

Legal Action Details

- The lawsuit was filed after OCR refused to release un-redacted information.

- This action falls under the 2002 Help America Vote Act, which ensures voter list accuracy.

- The complaint does not specify the number of records or noncitizens involved.

Local Context

- Noncitizen voting has occurred in San Francisco for school board elections since 2016.

- A measure for allowing illegal immigrants to vote in Santa Ana municipal elections was rejected last year.

- OCR has stated no comments on ongoing litigation. 

https://www.thecentersquare.com/california/article_1424bb98-7774-4a4a-b177-7432c25b3f21.html