DOJ seeks sanctions over voting database analysis
The gist
The Justice Department asked a federal judge to consider contempt charges against lawyers who analyzed its list of 20,000+ suspected noncitizen voters.
The judge has not found any violation, and the dispute turns on what the disclosure order allowed.
How it unfolded
- Oct 30, 2026Judge Boasberg ordered the government to provide the list of more than 20,000 people it suspected were noncitizens registered to vote in California, barring disclosure of names and limiting use to standing arguments.
- Oct 31, 2026CHIRLA's attorneys filed papers saying their analysis found more than 40% of the people on the list do not appear in the state's voter file, and identified 22 people likely naturalized U.S. citizens.
- Nov 1, 2026The Justice Department defended the list's accuracy, said the analysis violated Boasberg's order, and suggested he consider contempt charges and a referral for possible criminal contempt.