DOJ subpoenas two Los Angeles election staff to appear Nov. 4
The subpoenas follow a federal judge's ruling that blocked the Justice Department from forcing California officials to set aside ballots from 20,000 flagged voters.
By Sienna Foster ·
Two employees of the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder’s office now face court appearances scheduled for Nov. 4. The federal government served them with grand jury subpoenas last week. This move escalates the legal conflict between the Trump administration and California election officials. The dispute centers on whether noncitizens are casting ballots in the state.
The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder’s office confirmed the subpoenas on Thursday. Previous reports indicated that at least two staff members received the legal orders. It is not yet clear if these individuals are the primary targets of a criminal investigation. A Justice Department spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment regarding the specific subpoenas.
The legal action follows recent letters sent by the Department of Justice to local election officials. Those letters warned that officials risk federal scrutiny and legal exposure if they refuse to cooperate. The department demanded that officials set aside ballots from people flagged as likely noncitizens. The letters stated that individuals who knowingly tabulate such ballots could become aiders and abettors to a federal crime.
Tensions peaked after U.S. District Judge David O. Carter ruled against the Justice Department on Wednesday. Carter rejected the department's request to force California officials to stop processing ballots from 20,000 voters on a federal list. He found no legal basis for the demand and questioned the reliability of the list. The judge also cited concerns about disenfranchising eligible voters and creating election chaos.
During a Tuesday hearing, Judge Carter warned Justice Department officials that threats to state and county employees should cease immediately. He repeated this instruction in his written order on Wednesday evening. The Justice Department is currently appealing Carter’s ruling to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder Dean Logan responded to the judge's comments in a statement on Thursday. He called the judge’s admonishment well placed and appreciated. Logan described the Justice Department’s approach as confrontational and adversarial. He stated that election officials are acting in accordance with state and federal law. Logan added that his office will take necessary steps to ensure employee safety while continuing to serve voters.
Source: WUNC
