Trump administration drops lawsuit over California voting rules

The U.S. Department of Justice filed a notice of voluntary dismissal on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, ending its legal challenge against California election officials. The lawsuit had sought to compel the state to sequester ballots from approximately 20,000 registered voters the federal government alleged were likely non-U.S. citizens.

In its filing, the Justice Department stated that the relief it sought was no longer available because the midterm elections had concluded and the disputed ballots had already been commingled with other votes. The dismissal effectively cancels a hearing that had been scheduled for Nov. 13, 2026, before U.S. District Judge David O. Carter, where a court-appointed special master was expected to evaluate the accuracy of the federal government's list of voters.

The administration had faced several legal hurdles prior to the dismissal. Judge Carter and the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals had previously rejected requests for emergency relief. Additionally, on Nov. 2, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court denied an emergency appeal to block the counting of the disputed ballots.

In a statement, the Justice Department said it had exhausted its appeals to obtain timely relief and was evaluating how to best ensure that American votes are protected. Judge Carter had previously noted that the federal government's attempt to intervene in state election procedures on the eve of an election raised significant constitutional concerns regarding the authority of states to administer their own elections.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta described the dismissal as an end to the administration's attempt to disrupt the state's elections through emergency court orders. He stated that his office would remain vigilant against future federal efforts regarding election oversight.