United States v. California
Federal lawsuit seeking to separate California mail ballots cast by voters DOJ alleges are noncitizens.
On 21 October, the government renewed its request to set aside California mail ballots linked to more than 20,000 voters it called likely noncitizens. Case 2:26-cv-12025 puts that disputed screening claim before a federal court.
Last refreshed: 22 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Timeline for United States v. California
Moved to Judge Carter on 21 October
US Midterms 2026: DOJ seeks to freeze 20,000 mail ballotsMentioned in: DOJ loses again on state voter files
US Midterms 2026Background
United States v. California, case 2:26-cv-12025, is a federal civil action in the Central District of California. It concerns a dispute between the federal government and California election authorities over citizenship screening and the treatment of mail ballots. The United States brought the action. The defendants include California, its secretary of state and the Los Angeles County registrar.
The action seeks judicial authority to separate ballots connected to voters whom the government alleges may be noncitizens. Its subject is the handling of those ballots while eligibility is checked, including whether they can proceed to verification and counting. The government's allegations, the defendants' objections and any court order are distinct parts of the record. Inclusion on a federal screening list does not itself establish that a voter is ineligible.
The application targets returned mail ballots
On 21 October, the government renewed the emergency application in case 2:26-cv-12025. It sought to have California set aside mail ballots associated with more than 20,000 voters on its list of alleged noncitizens. The case moved to Judge David O. Carter that day.
In its 20 October filing, Los Angeles County said that more than a quarter of listed voters at its addresses gave a US birthplace. That response challenges the screening basis for the requested ballot restrictions. It does not decide every listed voter's eligibility, and the application itself does not establish that the Court granted the government's request.
The application targets returned mail ballots
When did DOJ renew its emergency California ballot request?
Who is the judge in the California mail-ballot lawsuit?
What does DOJ want California to do with the disputed mail ballots?
Where is the California mail-ballot lawsuit being heard?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 22 October 2026. Editorial standards.