Escalating Tensions: DOJ Subpoenas Election Workers in Los Angeles
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has intensified its actions against California election officials by issuing grand jury subpoenas to election workers in Los Angeles. This development is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to scrutinize the state’s voter rolls for noncitizens.
Confirmation of the subpoenas came from the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder’s office, which informed NPR that its employees received the subpoenas last week. This follows a report by The New York Times detailing how at least two staff members were ordered to appear in court on November 4.
The DOJ has been sending letters to local election officials, warning them of “significant federal scrutiny and legal exposure” should they fail to cooperate with demands to set aside ballots from individuals identified by federal officials as “likely” noncitizens. The letters caution, “If persons knowingly tabulate ballots cast by individuals identified by federal agencies as noncitizens, they risk becoming aiders and abettors to a federal crime.”
Despite the issuance of subpoenas, a DOJ spokesperson has not commented on the matter, leaving it unclear if the employees are subjects of a criminal investigation.
In a related move, a federal judge in California recently denied a DOJ request to set aside thousands of ballots from a list of 20,000 names flagged as “likely” noncitizens. U.S. District Judge David O. Carter ruled there was no legal basis for the DOJ’s demands, expressing concerns about potential disenfranchisement and election chaos.
As the DOJ plans to appeal the ruling to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, Judge Carter has issued a strong warning to the DOJ, stating, “This court believes it would be wise that any threats to state and county elected employees cease immediately.”
Echoing this sentiment, Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder Dean Logan praised Carter’s stance. “Judge Carter’s admonishment about threats directed at election officials on Tuesday was well placed and appreciated,” Logan stated. He emphasized that election officials are adhering to both state and federal laws and assured protective measures for his staff: “We will take whatever steps necessary to ensure the safety of our employees and to remain focused on serving the voters of Los Angeles County so they can exercise their voting franchise.”
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