Appeals Court Rejects DOJ's Challenge To Suspected Noncitizen Ballots In California

What happened: A federal appeals court declined to intervene in the Trump administration's lawsuit against California to sequester 20,000 mail-in ballots from individuals it suspects are noncitizens, with a three-judge panel issuing a 2-1 decision on Oct. Why it matters: The majority cited lack of jurisdiction because the lower district court had not yet ruled, and said granting the request would cause voter confusion about a week before Election Day. Judge Bumatay dissented, arguing the court did have jurisdiction. Coverage: 4 outlets in 24h

A federal appeals court declined to intervene in the Trump administration's lawsuit against California to sequester 20,000 mail-in ballots from individuals it suspects are noncitizens, with a three-judge panel issuing a 2-1 decision on Oct.

The majority cited lack of jurisdiction because the lower district court had not yet ruled, and said granting the request would cause voter confusion about a week before Election Day. Judge Bumatay dissented, arguing the court did have jurisdiction.