Bonta Challenges DOJ Deadline: 20,000 California Ballots

California Attorney General Rob Bonta accused the Department of Justice of manipulating legal processes to target voters less than two weeks before the midterm elections. He described the federal push as an effort to "politicize and weaponize the law" against political opponents. Bonta made the remarks on Saturday, asserting that the department acted under the direct instruction of President Donald Trump.

The conflict centers on a federal demand for California election officials to verify the citizenship status of approximately 20,000 ballots within 48 hours. Prosecutors stated they are requesting cooperation from county officials to allow the Department of Homeland Security to confirm voter eligibility quickly. The Justice Department framed the request as a measure to ensure the most secure election in the state's history.

State election personnel pushed back against the tight deadline, warning that the process could disenfranchise eligible citizens. Officials in Los Angeles reported that a high percentage of the individuals on the federal list were born in the United States. Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the federal lists on social media, noting that they included people who never voted and voters from incorrect counties. He labeled the situation an "Absolute clown show!"

Bonta questioned the basis of the federal list at a recent press conference. He noted that state officials received only names without any explanation of why those individuals were deemed ineligible. "If they have such information, we would be happy to review it, but they've provided none," Bonta said. Rep. Pete Aguilar, who represents south-west San Bernardino County, described the federal approach as voter intimidation.

The dispute follows recent federal charges against 28 foreign nationals for fraudulently registering to vote. Bill Essayli, first assistant US attorney, said the arrests demonstrated that California was mailing ballots to noncitizens. He emphasized that the defendants were lawful permanent residents who held legal status but lacked voting rights. Essayli argued that the state was refusing to comply with federal law.

Some state officials did not immediately act on letters sent Friday, citing the proximity of the election date. This inaction triggered a legal battle with the Justice Department. An appeals court is scheduled to hear the matter on Tuesday.