Applaud Judge Carter for Protecting California Voters

A federal judge has delivered an important victory for voting rights just days before the midterm elections! U.S. District Judge David Carter rejected the Trump Justice Department's emergency attempt to stop California from processing thousands of mail-in ballots, defending the state's election procedures and protecting eligible voters from potentially having their ballots set aside.

The Justice Department had demanded that California election officials segregate ballots associated with approximately 20,000 registered voters it claims are likely noncitizens. But California officials challenged the reliability of the government's list, warning that it contained serious inaccuracies and could include eligible American voters. They also argued that suddenly changing ballot-processing procedures so close to Election Day would create confusion, disrupt election operations, and risk disenfranchising voters.

Judge Carter refused to allow the administration's unproven allegations to justify such sweeping interference. In his 26-page ruling, he emphasized the unprecedented nature of the federal government's demands and the potential harm to voters. "Once a vote is segregated, lasting harm has occurred," Carter wrote. He also warned that allowing the executive branch to discount votes based on unproven claims could threaten American democracy. His decision allows California election officials to continue processing ballots under their established procedures.

With Election Day approaching, Judge Carter's ruling reinforces the importance of protecting voters from unnecessary disruption and ensuring that election decisions are based on credible evidence. Although the Justice Department is expected to appeal, the decision represents a significant setback to its effort to impose last-minute restrictions on California's ballot-counting process. By rejecting the emergency request, Carter has helped safeguard voters' rights and uphold the constitutional role of states in administering elections.

Add your name to applaud Judge David Carter for rejecting Trump's attempt to disrupt California's ballot counting, protecting eligible voters from disenfranchisement, and defending the integrity of our elections!