Appeals Court Questions Justice Department’s Demand Over California Mail Ballots
A federal appeals court appeared skeptical of the Trump administration's lawsuit seeking to compel California to set aside mail ballots from individuals suspected of not being U.S. citizens. Judges questioned the timing, constitutionality, and authority of the Justice Department's demand,…
Denver, CO, October 26, 2026 —
A federal appeals court appeared skeptical of the Trump administration’s lawsuit seeking to require California to set aside mail ballots from people suspected of not being U.S. citizens. Judges raised questions about the timing and constitutionality of the demand, as well as the Justice Department’s authority to make it.
The arguments were heard by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The court’s questions indicate areas of concern raised during the hearing, but the information available does not say whether the judges issued a ruling or when a decision might come.
The case centers on the federal government’s effort to compel California to withhold ballots based on suspicions about some voters’ citizenship. The summary does not specify how the individuals were identified, how many ballots or people were involved, or what process California would be required to follow under the demand.
It also does not provide the date of the hearing, the names of the judges, or the arguments made by either side beyond the issues the judges questioned. The specific constitutional provisions and legal authority discussed were not identified.
The appeals court’s eventual decision could determine whether the Justice Department can pursue the requested action through this lawsuit. Until a ruling is reported, the outcome remains unresolved. No decision or subsequent action by California was included in the information provided.
Story summarized from the original created by AP via Scripps News Group on www.denver7.com, see more information here.
