US Justice Dept asks Washington state not to count some ballots

2026-10-28 · Politics · United States

The US Justice Department asked Washington state not to count any mail ballots received from more than 400 residents it says may not be US citizens, opening a new front in the Trump administration's push to expand control of election administration ahead of the November 3 midterms. State officials have not said how they will respond.

Why it matters：Federal pressure on ballot counting tests the independence of US election administration and could become a template for disputes in other states.

Key points

• The Justice Department flagged more than 400 residents as possible noncitizens.
• It asked Washington state not to count their mail ballots.
• The request comes ahead of the November 3 midterms.

Sources (original reporting)

• CNA
• The Straits Times

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