A California federal judge on Friday issued a temporary order blocking the Justice Department from threatening election officials with criminal prosecution over noncitizen voting claims, pausing an enforcement push that had alarmed local administrators.
U.S. District Judge Trina Thompson granted a temporary restraining order in a case filed earlier in the day by unions representing California election workers, according to court filings. The order directs the department to stop communicating threats of prosecution to election officials while the lawsuit proceeds.
The ruling stems from the unions’ allegations that federal officials had warned local election workers they could face criminal charges as part of an effort to crack down on suspected noncitizen voting. Thompson, who was appointed to the bench during the Biden administration, concluded that immediate relief was warranted to prevent potential harm to election operations while the court reviews the claims.
What the order means for noncitizen voting claims
The temporary restraining order freezes any DOJ threats tied to noncitizen voting claims until a further hearing or order from the court. It does not resolve the underlying legal dispute, but it shields election workers from prosecution warnings as the case moves forward.
The unions argue that intimidation of officials can disrupt ballot processing and undermine voter confidence. The department maintains it is responsible for enforcing federal election laws, including prohibitions on voting by noncitizens.
Next steps will likely include a briefing schedule on whether the court should convert the temporary order into a preliminary injunction. No timeline for those proceedings was immediately available.
Hawaiʻi election administrators and voters are watching closely, as mainland legal battles can shape guidance and practices used by county clerks across the islands. State officials have emphasized that Hawaiʻi’s voter registration systems include verification processes designed to prevent ineligible voting, including by noncitizens.
