News Summary
The U.S. DOJ has filed a federal lawsuit against Orange County, seeking personal data on non-citizen voters. This request has sparked debate over privacy laws as officials argue it violates state regulations. A trial is scheduled for March 2026, but Orange County’s representatives plan to dismiss the case, claiming the DOJ is overstepping its legal boundaries. This lawsuit is part of a broader effort to access voter data nationwide amid concerns about election integrity and compliance with federal law.
Orange County, California is at the center of a federal lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), seeking sensitive personal data regarding non-citizens who have been removed from voter rolls. The lawsuit targets 17 specific voters whose registrations were terminated since 2020 due to non-citizen status. The DOJ asserts that access to this information is critical for ensuring compliance with federal law, while officials in Orange County are challenging the request on the grounds that it violates state privacy laws unless accompanied by a criminal warrant.
U.S. District Judge David O. Carter has scheduled a trial to address the matter for March 31, 2026; however, it remains unclear whether the case will proceed to trial. Orange County’s legal representatives intend to request a dismissal of the case, arguing that the DOJ’s demands overstep legal boundaries.
The lawsuit is part of a broader nationwide push by the DOJ to access voter data held by various states. In addition to Orange County, the DOJ has requested similar data from major counties in California, including Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. Officials within the DOJ have indicated that they may pursue further legal action against other counties that have been less than cooperative with their requests for vital voter data.
Deputy Assistant Attorney General Michael Gates has voiced concerns about the compliance of certain counties with requests for sensitive information that is essential to uphold the requirements of federal law. He described some counties as “recalcitrant” and “obstinate,” implying a resistance to cooperating with the DOJ’s efforts to obtain necessary records. Gates has also suggested that the actual number of non-citizen voters in Orange County may be considerably higher than the 17 currently identified in the lawsuit.
This legal drama has arisen against a backdrop of claims by political figures, notably former President Donald Trump, who has suggested that mass immigration enables the Democratic Party to bolster its voter base through alleged non-citizen voting. Compounding issues around voter registration and election integrity, a recent incident involving a conservative activist in Costa Mesa highlights perceived flaws in the election system; this individual faces felony charges after registering her dog to vote.
Critics, including Justin Levitt, a professor at Loyola Law School, have scrutinized the DOJ’s lawsuit, asserting that Orange County officials had previously expressed a willingness to provide the requested data under confidentiality before the lawsuit was initiated. Levitt has criticized the DOJ for failing to establish a proper legal basis for their request, emphasizing that federal privacy laws require transparency regarding the motives behind information collection.
Orange County officials have further emphasized that they have made extensive redactions to protect personal information, ensuring compliance with both state and federal privacy regulations. The DOJ’s request contains sensitive details, including Social Security and driver’s license numbers, which the DOJ argues are necessary to ensure adherence to the Help America Vote Act.
Despite ongoing discussions, several members of the Orange County Board of Supervisors have voted against responding to the DOJ’s requests, advocating for a judicial resolution instead. This lawsuit underscores the continuous friction between state authorities and federal oversight regarding the management of voter registration and election processes.
A court hearing regarding the compliance issues surrounding this case is set for September 15, as both sides prepare to navigate the complex interplay between privacy laws and federal requirements in the realm of voter data.
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Additional Resources
- LAist: The Battle Over Orange County’s Voter Data
- Democracy Docket: DOJ Sues Orange County, CA Over Voter Records
- LA Times: Orange County Pushes Back Against DOJ Request for Voter Records
- Wikipedia: Voter Registration in the United States
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Election
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
