Los Angeles County admits inability to verify citizenship of 20,000 voters

by@zerohedge

Summary

Los Angeles County election officials revealed in a federal court filing that they lack the means to independently verify the citizenship of 20,000 flagged voters, relying solely on voter attestation. This acknowledgment comes amidst a legal dispute where the Justice Department has sued California, urging the state to segregate these voters' ballots pending verification, citing federal law which mandates that only citizens may vote. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli labeled this situation a "massive concession," arguing that it undermines the integrity of the electoral process. California's officials counter that they are complying with the National Voter Registration Act, which allows for sworn statements instead of documentary proof for citizenship verification. The case has also seen a judge transfer from a Trump appointee to a Clinton appointee, reflecting a potentially significant shift in judicial oversight.

Analysis

Bill Essayli: Bill Essayli serves as First Assistant U.S. Attorney and has led federal efforts on election integrity matters in California. He has highlighted state admissions about citizenship verification limitations and pushed for segregation of suspect ballots in ongoing litigation. David Carter: David Carter is a U.S. District Judge appointed by President Clinton who now presides over the Justice Department lawsuit against California on voter roll maintenance. He previously dismissed a similar federal case involving California voter procedures last year. Gavin Newsom: Gavin Newsom is the Governor of California responsible for statewide election policies and oversight of compliance with federal voting laws. His administration has defended the state's use of sworn voter statements under the National Voter Registration Act amid federal challenges. Monica Flores: Monica Flores is Assistant Registrar for Los Angeles County and oversees aspects of voter record management. She stated in a federal court filing that the office is not equipped or authorized to independently verify voter citizenship. Trent McCotter: Trent McCotter is Acting Deputy Attorney General and has directed federal prosecutions related to illegal voting and election fraud in California. He commented on recent arrests and the implications for broader verification of voter eligibility lists. John W. Holcomb: John W. Holcomb is a U.S. District Judge appointed by President Trump who was initially assigned to the case concerning voter citizenship verification in California before its reassignment. Los Angeles County: Los Angeles County manages local election administration, including voter registration and ballot handling through its registrar's office. In the current federal lawsuit, county officials have confirmed they lack independent tools to verify voter citizenship beyond self-attestation. Federal Law: Federal statutes prohibit noncitizens from voting in elections involving federal offices and provide penalties for related violations. Judicial Process: Federal lawsuits over state voter roll practices have previously involved the same judges now handling the current case against California. Voter Registration: The National Voter Registration Act permits states to rely on sworn statements from applicants rather than independent documentary proof for citizenship verification.

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