Justice Department Requests Segregation of State Ballots
Federal officials are calling for Washington state to set aside ballots from individuals suspected of lacking U.S. citizenship.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Elections
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The U.S. Justice Department has formally requested that Washington state set aside ballots from more than 400 individuals suspected of being non-citizens. This move follows the identification of 1,500 votes cast by these individuals in prior elections.
Why it matters
Federal authorities are seeking to ensure ballot integrity by isolating votes from individuals who allegedly registered to vote without citizenship status. The administration expects these specific ballots to be set aside during the upcoming midterm election.
The Justice Department has issued approximately 60 subpoenas to the Washington Secretary of State's Office since September 2026. This federal action addresses concerns regarding the 1,500 votes identified as cast by non-citizens in previous election cycles.
The players
U.S. Justice Department
This federal executive department is responsible for the enforcement of law and the administration of justice in the United States.
Washington Secretary of State's Office
This government entity oversees elections, corporate filings, and the state archives within Washington state.
The details
The Justice Department submitted the request to the Washington Secretary of State's Office on October 26, 2026, as part of an ongoing review of voter registrations. The agency has been aggressively pursuing information, having issued roughly 60 subpoenas to state officials since September.
Timeline
September 2026: The Justice Department began issuing subpoenas to Washington state.
October 26, 2026: The Justice Department formally requested that certain ballots be set aside.
November 2026: These directives apply to the upcoming midterm elections.
Political Context
The Justice Department's request regarding non-citizen voting rolls follows standard oversight practices under the National Voter Registration Act. Critics often push back against such federal interventions, arguing that states maintain primary authority over their voter rolls and election procedures.
This federal request could impact the processing timeline for certain ballots in the upcoming midterm election. Residents are encouraged to check their official voter registration status through the Secretary of State's portal to ensure their eligibility remains verified.
The takeaway
Voter integrity remains a high-priority issue for federal monitors leading into the November midterm election. Voters should continue to monitor local election guidance for any changes to ballot counting or verification procedures.
Further reading
For more on voting protocols, visit the Washington Elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News9live.
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