The Justice Department asked a federal appeals court to revive its lawsuit against California over mail ballots. The suit seeks to stop the state from counting up to 20,000 mail ballots allegedly sent to noncitizens. The filing marks an effort to restart a case that had stalled in the lower courts.
The lawsuit claims California election officials mailed ballots to individuals who are not U.S. citizens. Federal lawyers argue those ballots should not be counted in upcoming elections. State officials have disputed the allegations.
The appeals court request follows a lower court ruling that did not advance the case. Justice Department lawyers want the appellate panel to intervene before ballots are processed. Timing is critical as election deadlines approach.
California officials have defended their voter registration and ballot distribution systems. They say safeguards are in place to verify eligibility. The state has not commented directly on the latest filing.
Legal experts say the case raises questions about federal authority over state election procedures. Courts have generally given states broad latitude in running elections. The appeal could test those boundaries.
The dispute is part of a broader national debate over mail voting and voter eligibility. Similar legal battles have emerged in other states. Both parties are watching the California case closely.
A ruling from the appeals court could come within weeks. The outcome may affect how ballots are handled in the current election cycle. Further appeals remain possible regardless of the decision.
