The U.S. Justice Department recently announced the arrests of 28 foreign nationals in California who were accused of illegally registering to vote and casting ballots. The move sparked criticism from locals, as many Californians deemed the numbers insignificant, arguing that the entire operation was a “stunt.”
As reported by KTLA, the arrests were part of Operation Protect the Vote. The DOJ indicated that all those arrested had “knowingly and willfully lied under oath” to vote. They were all lawful permanent residents. However, because they are not U.S. citizens, they are ineligible to vote in federal elections under the law.
The DOJ also said that their voter registration applications had been approved and that some had even voted. The department further alleged that around 20,000 noncitizens were registered to vote in the state. Local authorities, however, do not appear to be particularly concerned.
Assemblymember Mark González, for example, spoke to the outlet, saying that the federal administration is known to “blow inconsequential issues out of proportion.”
Californians Don’t Believe in Widespread Voter Fraud
Residents on r/California were also skeptical of claims of widespread voter fraud in California. One of them wrote: “Alternative headline: 0.00012% of registered voters in California arrested, charged with fraudulently registering in and voting in U.S. elections.”
Someone else added: “LOL. 28 out of 23.2 million registered voters in the state. IF those are even actual fraudulent voters.” Others questioned claims that 20,000 people had voted illegally: “Didn’t they say there were 20,000 people voting illegally in California like 2 days ago? So they found 30, maybe? Also seems like real convenient timing.”
Some locals worried that the operation could be part of a strategy to influence the elections: “This feels like a midterm stunt. Let’s see if it actually holds up in court.”
Another Californian responded: “It’s absolutely a stunt. There’s no benefit of the doubt for this administration. They’re doing this to further erode public trust and convince their followers and the uninformed that pressing charges, regardless of any evidence, is evidence enough. The DOJ works for Trump, not the American people.”
With the elections approaching, Operation Protect the Vote is likely to remain a contentious issue in California.
