Justice Department Warns California Officials Over Ballot Processing

Peoria Bloomington, IL, October 16, 2026 —

The U.S. Justice Department has warned California officials that they could face criminal prosecution for processing ballots submitted by people suspected of being noncitizens. The warning is particularly relevant ahead of midterm elections, according to the information provided.

The summary of the warning does not identify the officials who received it, when it was issued, or which election it concerns. It also does not describe the ballots or explain how officials would determine whether a voter is a noncitizen. No specific prosecution, investigation or ballot-processing decision is identified.

The available information does not state what legal provisions the Justice Department cited, whether the warning was made in a letter or another form of communication, or whether California officials have responded. It also does not specify whether any ballots have been processed or challenged in connection with the warning.

The distinction in the warning, as described, concerns ballots submitted by suspected noncitizen voters. The summary does not provide further details about how suspicion is established or what procedures officials are being asked to follow. It likewise does not say whether the department’s warning addresses particular counties, election offices or practices across California.

With midterm elections approaching, the warning places potential criminal prosecution at the center of the issue. However, the information available does not establish that any official has been charged or that a prosecution is underway. Further details about the department’s reasoning, the scope of its warning and the state’s response were not provided.

Story summarized from the original created by ERIC TUCKER, Associated Press on www.centralillinoisproud.com, see more information here.

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