DOJ says California officials who process ballots from suspected noncitizens risk prosecution

What happened: The DOJ warned California officials that processing or tabulating ballots from suspected noncitizen voters could lead to criminal investigation and prosecution, escalating a fight with the state ahead of next month's midterm election. Why it matters: The warning raises pressure on local election officials over ballot handling before the midterm vote. Key numbers: midterm election next month.

The DOJ warned California officials that processing or tabulating ballots from suspected noncitizen voters could lead to criminal investigation and prosecution, escalating a fight with the state ahead of next month's midterm election.

The warning raises pressure on local election officials over ballot handling before the midterm vote. Key numbers: midterm election next month.