By The Epoch Times | Created at 2026-10-15 20:21:26 | Updated at 2026-10-16 07:38:51
11 hours ago
Central District of California First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington on Nov. 19, 2025. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a
lawsuitagainst California Oct. 15 over its voter list after finding more than 20,000 “likely noncitizens” registered to vote in the state, prosecutors announced.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli in Los Angeles said the DOJ gave the state 48 hours to review the names of the suspected noncitizens registered to vote who were mailed live ballots and determine whether citizens were on the list.
The DOJ asked the court for an emergency order requiring California to sequester ballots returned by the suspected noncitizens and verify their citizenship status, Essayli said.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said the lawsuit is unfounded and represents an attempt by President Donald Trump to disenfranchise voters.
“This is a sad, desperate attempt by Trump to use his politicized Justice Department to try to suppress California voters just three weeks before Election Day,” Newsom said in a statement.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
