DOJ Asks States to Hold Ballots from 405 Suspected Noncitizens

Election officials in Washington state are reviewing a Justice Department request to segregate ballots from more than 400 people flagged as possible noncitizens ahead of next month’s midterms. The move follows similar federal actions in California and Alaska, all states with competitive congressional races. Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said the timing raises questions about intent to cast doubt on results, while acting U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd called the 405 cases the tip of the iceberg and cited limits on federal access to state records.

The department identified 1,500 prior votes cast by the flagged individuals, including one last recorded in 1994. It wants any new ballots from these voters set aside until eligibility can be confirmed. Washington runs an all-mail system and sends ballots to every registered voter. Floyd said the list came from recent contacts with suspected noncitizens and that more names are expected before Election Day. Hobbs noted the data included voter histories but questioned the timing.

In California, the DOJ sued to isolate ballots from up to 20,000 suspected noncitizens; a federal appeals panel declined to rule on an expedited basis and sent the case back to a lower court. In Alaska, a separate suit seeks to delay certification if the Republican incumbent loses. A Los Angeles County audit of 200 records from the federal list found canceled registrations, inactive voters, and some born in the United States.

Past federal claims have produced far fewer confirmed cases than alleged. Nevada investigations found zero noncitizen registrations after the administration cited 1,500; Maricopa County, Arizona, reduced an initial 207 to eight after review. The Elections Clause gives states primary authority over the time, place, and manner of congressional elections.