Judge denounces DOJ lawsuit over California mail ballots

What happened: A federal judge condemned a Justice Department lawsuit that sought to force California to set aside mail ballots from up to 20,000 alleged noncitizens, then closed the case after the DOJ moved to dismiss it voluntarily. Key numbers: Up to 20,000 alleged noncitizens; suit filed mid-October; Nov. Why it matters: Judge David Carter said the suit attempted to disrupt an ongoing election and create confusion for voters and election workers. The DOJ said the relief it sought was no longer available because ballots would already be commingled.

A federal judge condemned a Justice Department lawsuit that sought to force California to set aside mail ballots from up to 20,000 alleged noncitizens, then closed the case after the DOJ moved to dismiss it voluntarily.

Judge David Carter said the suit attempted to disrupt an ongoing election and create confusion for voters and election workers. The DOJ said the relief it sought was no longer available because ballots would already be commingled.