Justice Department subpoenas LA County election officials over voter roll scrutiny

The U.S. Department of Justice has escalated its investigation into local election administration by issuing subpoenas to California officials, including employees of the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder, LAist reported on October 29, 2026.

Copies of three subpoenas sent on October 21 order the employees to appear in court on November 4, the day after the election, according to the Associated Press. The subpoenas request records, documents, and communications related to letters sent by federal officials in July and October alleging noncitizens on California's voter rolls.

The subpoenas also seek information on the Registrar-Recorder's methods for screening unlawful voting by noncitizens and efforts to prevent such votes from being counted. The subpoenas were issued by all four U.S. attorneys in California, according to a source familiar with the investigation who spoke anonymously.

Dean Logan, the Los Angeles County registrar, responded by stating that threats and intimidation have no place in elections. The Trump administration has sued to exclude up to 20,000 ballots suspected to have been cast by noncitizens until citizenship can be verified. A district court judge recently rejected that request and appointed a special master to evaluate the claims.

U.S. District Judge David O. Carter did not specify the full scope of the special master's responsibilities but indicated the role involves assessing the administration's allegations.