LOS ANGELES, CA — Amid an ongoing federal crackdown on alleged illegal voters, Los Angeles County officials Tuesday were urging residents to cast their ballots early to fight back against what they call an attempt to intimidate voters.
"The federal government's continued attempts to deter voting and instill fear is an affront to our democracy," County Supervisor Hilda Solis said in a statement late Monday. "While those who commit voter fraud should be held accountable, allegations of widespread deception are completely unfounded. Los Angeles County voters should to be able to cast their ballots without interruption, interference, or intimidation from the federal government."
Solis' comments came hours after federal officials announced the arrests of a nearly a dozen foreign nationals in a statewide voter fraud initiative dubbed "Operation Protect the Vote." The 11 arrests were part of a coordinated effort among California's U.S. attorney's offices to root out fraud in elections and ensure electoral integrity, Acting U.S. Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter said.
A total of 28 non-citizens — lawful permanent residents, or green card holders — were charged in the case. Although lawful residents have legal immigration status in the United States, they are not permitted to vote in U.S. elections.
The criminal charges include making false statements in a naturalization application, and some of the defendants also are charged with fraudulent voter registration. Both charges are felonies that each carry a sentence of up to five years in federal prison.
The charges came days after the DOJ filed a case in Los Angeles federal court seeking to prevent election officials in Los Angeles County and across the state from tallying mail ballots submitted by roughly 20,000 suspected non-citizens in the upcoming election.
The 28 people charged are among the 20,000 likely non-citizens identified by the Justice Department, McCotter said.
County Supervisor Janice Hahn decried the arrests and charges as "voter intimidation and a blatant attempt to undermine trust in our midterm elections."
"These arrests are being used to paint a picture of widespread voter fraud when we know that is not the case," Hahn said. "California has laws in place to protect the integrity of our elections, and LA County is fully abiding by them. I urge everyone to not let these tactics keep you from exercising your right to vote. Vote early and remember that you can safely cast your ballot from home with your vote-by-mail ballot or safely drop your ballot at a ballot drop box."
In May, the Board of Supervisors approved a motion by Solis and Supervisor Lindsey Horvath aimed at ensuring a quick response by the county to any efforts to interfere or disrupt elections in the county. The motion ensured the county would provide legal defense for any county employee charged with a federal crim in connection with work administering the election. It also authorized county attorneys and the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's Office to initiate or join legislation "in support of free and fair elections, including participating litigation against the federal government for any interference or disruption" in elections.
Solis said Monday the actions are designed "to ensure that our county's registrar-recorder is prepared to handle any emergency that arises, including through litigation if necessary."
"I encourage voters to continue making their voices heard by casting their ballots as soon as possible," she said.
Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Dean Logan said in a statement late Monday remained committed to ensuring a fair election.
"That's what voters should expect, and that is what we are prepared to deliver," Logan said. "The U.S. Department of Justice has chosen to litigate their unverified assertions of voting eligibility. At this point, it is best for this to be addressed in court, but our message to voters is clear. Do not let this activity deter you from participating and making sure your voice is heard through voting."
In announcing the federal charges in Los Angeles Monday, McCotter said 113 people have been charged with potential voter fraud across the country in the last few weeks. The administration of former President Joe Biden charged 13 alleged non-citizens with the offense over four years, he added.
"This isn't a conspiracy theory — these are facts," First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said. "These cases are only a glimpse into our efforts to prioritize election integrity."
Last week, the federal government provided a list of what it called verified non-citizen potential voters to California to ensure that their vote- by-mail ballots were set aside until their citizenship status could be confirmed. McCotter said California declined to assist the federal government in setting aside the ballots, prompting the lawsuit by the DOJ seeking a court order to prevent what he termed the unlawful "dilution" of American citizens' votes.
"We don't care who you vote for," said U.S. Attorney Craig Missakian for the Northern District of California. "What we care about is ensuring a level playing field."
Missakian said the operation cracking down on alleged illegal voters would remain in place through November's election and beyond.
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