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NewsNBC Bay Area — Local NewsJuly 17, 2026United States

Federal Government Demands California Review Voter Rolls for Non-Citizens

The Department of Homeland Security is requiring California and other states to cross-reference voter registration records with federal databases to identify potential non-citizens. This directive follows allegations of voter fraud made by President Trump, who is also advocating for the Save America Act to mandate proof of citizenship for voter registration.

voter registrationelectionsimmigrationvoting rightsmail-in ballots
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Why It Matters

California election officials face potential federal penalties, including jail time, if they do not comply with the Department of Homeland Security's demand to audit for non-citizens.

Key Facts

  • The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is requiring states to run voter records through a federal database to identify non-citizens.
  • DHS warned that state election officials face penalties, including jail time, for failing to comply with the audit request.
  • President Trump alleges that nearly 250,000 non-citizens are currently on California's voter rolls.
  • The proposed Save America Act would require proof of citizenship for all voter registrations.
  • Between 90% and 95% of ballots in Santa Clara County are currently cast via mail.
  • Santa Clara County election officials state that instances of non-citizen registration are isolated and lack evidence of being a widespread problem.
  • A federal judge previously found that DHS incorrectly classified some U.S. citizens as non-citizens in past audits.
  • President Trump characterized mail-in ballot systems as inherently corrupt.
  • Governor Gavin Newsom publicly denied the existence of voter fraud in California.

Who's Mentioned

personDonald Trump“President of the United States who leveled allegations of voter fraud.”locationCalifornia“State targeted by federal voter registration audit demands.”organizationDepartment of Homeland Security“Federal agency demanding state voter roll audits.”personGavin Newsom“Governor of California who denied allegations of voter fraud.”personMatt Moreles“Official with the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters.”