The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Oct. 22, 2026
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October 21, 2026 1:43 pmLOS ANGELES, CA — There are more developments in the Trump administration’s arrests of noncitizens allegedly registered to vote in California. The U.S. Department of Justice asked a federal court to set aside mail-in ballots from voters matching names on DOJ’s list of 20,000 alleged registered noncitizens.
The Los Angeles Times reports that in court appearances Oct. 19th, several of the green card holders arrested expressed confusion, saying they didn’t recall ever having registered to vote. Another family wondered whether suspect Omar Muñoz may have been confused with younger relatives with the same name who are legally registered to vote.
Alarmingly, October 15th, DOJ asked the U.S. District Court for Central California to issue an injunction enjoining California from tabulating mail-in ballots matching the names of the 20,000 individuals on DOJ’s list. California’s mail ballots have already been mailed.
Past experience suggests it’s likely to disenfranchise eligible voters.
The Center for Election Innovation & Research found QUOTE, “Routine investigation by state officials found that the vast majority of flagged records belonged to citizens, with only a small number belonging to possible noncitizens who had registered to vote or cast a ballot.” The Center’s review of noncitizen registrants identified using the federal SAVE database, found, QUOTE, “Initial claims about noncitizen registrations based on SAVE are frequently walked back after further review.”
We have more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources
Los Angeles Times – California residents accused by feds of voter fraud react with shock, confusion and anger
Center for Election Innovation & Research – Claims of Noncitizen Registration or Voting: Analysis and Tracker
NPR – (2019) Some Noncitizens Do Wind Up Registered To Vote, But Usually Not On Purpose
U.S. District Court for Central California – DOJ Request to Block California from Counting Mail-In Ballots from Voters Matching Its Flagged List of 20,000 Names
Related ADM Reports:
American Democracy Minute – Trump DOJ Escalates Fight with California Over Noncitizen Voters, Arrests 28 Green Card Holders Alleged to Have Registered to Vote or Have Voted
American Democracy Minute – Having Failed to Compel California to Turn Over Its Voter Records, DOJ Demanded the State Find Its Own Noncitizen Registered Voters – In 48 Hours.
CalMatters – ‘Borders on the absurd.’ California fights Trump lawsuit to set aside 20,000 ballots
Groups Taking Action:
Common Cause and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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