California election officials frustrated, rattled by DOJ demand to sequester 'noncitizen' ballots

California election officials are facing frustration and rattlement after receiving a demand from the US Department of Justice to sequester ballots cast by non-citizens. The letter, which was sent to local election officials in California, has sparked concerns about the potential impact on the state's elections.

The demand, which was made under the Voting Rights Act of 1965, requires election officials to set aside ballots cast by non-citizens and count them separately. This is a significant change from the current practice, where non-citizen ballots are typically counted as part of the overall vote.

The California Secretary of State's office has stated that it will comply with the DOJ's demand, but has expressed concerns about the potential impact on the state's elections. The office has also pointed out that the Voting Rights Act does not require election officials to set aside ballots cast by non-citizens, but rather to ensure that all eligible voters have the opportunity to participate in the electoral process.

The DOJ's demand has also raised questions about the potential for voter suppression. Some have argued that the demand could be used to disenfranchise certain groups of voters, such as non-citizens who are eligible to vote in local elections but not federal elections.

Others have pointed out that the demand could be used to target specific communities, such as immigrants who are more likely to vote in local elections. The California State Legislature has also weighed in on the issue, with some lawmakers expressing concerns about the potential impact of the DOJ's demand on the state's elections.

The legislature has passed a bill that would require election officials to provide voters with clear information about the potential impact of the DOJ's demand on their ballots.