California Ballot Battle: Judge Weighs Fate of 20,000 Disputed Votes

A federal judge in Los Angeles, U.S. District Judge David O. Carter, is currently weighing a critical decision that could impact the ongoing midterm election in California. On Tuesday, Judge Carter heard arguments on whether the U.S. Department of Justice can block the counting of approximately 20,000 ballots from voters whose U.S. citizenship the Trump administration disputes, and he is expected to issue a ruling today, Wednesday, October 28, 2026. The judge appeared skeptical of the federal government's claims, questioning the reliability of its list of 'likely noncitizens' and expressing serious concerns about potentially disenfranchising eligible voters. The clash highlights a tense standoff between state and federal authorities over election integrity, with California officials staunchly opposing the DOJ's demands as an impossible and legally baseless attempt to interfere with the election. The Department of Justice, represented by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, insists its request is a narrow effort to 'safeguard' the election, not void ballots, and claims its list of suspect voters is highly accurate. This move follows a similar request in Washington state and Alaska, and prior federal charges against individuals for alleged voter fraud in other states, demonstrating a broader effort by the Trump administration to exert more federal control over elections despite evidence suggesting noncitizen voting is rare. Just days before this hearing, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed the DOJ's emergency appeal, emphasizing the district court needed to fully consider the case and faulting the federal government for its late filing. As California midterm election concludes next Tuesday, the judge's decision, expected today, will set the immediate course for these disputed ballots. Judge Carter has already indicated he might appoint a 'special master' and hold another hearing in two weeks to gather more evidence, suggesting a final resolution could extend beyond Election Day. Regardless of the ruling, the legal battle underscores the ongoing national debate surrounding voter eligibility, federal vs. state election authority, and the fundamental right to vote, keeping election officials across the country on high alert for similar challenges.