California must respond to DOJ's emergency request over ballots mailed to alleged noncitizens, court rules

What happened: A federal appeals court ordered California to respond by noon Saturday to the Justice Department's emergency request over roughly 20,000 mail-in ballots sent to people the DOJ suspects are noncitizens. Key numbers: About 20,000 ballots; response due noon Saturday; suit filed Oct. Why it matters: The DOJ wants those ballots set aside while eligibility is reviewed. California officials say county offices lack authority and federal records to verify citizenship and that separating processed ballots is impossible. Coverage: 4 outlets in 24h

A federal appeals court ordered California to respond by noon Saturday to the Justice Department's emergency request over roughly 20,000 mail-in ballots sent to people the DOJ suspects are noncitizens.

The DOJ wants those ballots set aside while eligibility is reviewed. California officials say county offices lack authority and federal records to verify citizenship and that separating processed ballots is impossible.