Data analysts flag mismatches in Trump administration California voter eligibility list

Data analysts have flagged mismatches on a Trump administration list concerning California voters’ eligibility and their citizenship status, according to The Associated Press.

The outlet reported that over 40 percent of names that the Trump administration labeled as potential California voters who are not U.S. citizens were not on Golden State voter rolls, a Saturday legal filing from an immigrants’ rights group said.

Per the AP, the outside analysis — done by two University of California, Los Angeles data analysts — on the list was the first of its kind. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has used the list in warning election officials of prosecution. According to the analysis, the list seemingly targeted thousands of U.S. citizens, stating they did not have eligibility to vote.

On Wednesday, the Trump administration’s attempt to section off 20,000 mail ballots in California it said were likely those of noncitizens was dealt another blow, with a trial judge refusing to get involved.

U.S. District Judge David Carter ruled the Golden State could continue to allow the ballots like any other.

“This request violates longstanding constitutional principles mandating that states have control over their elections,” Carter wrote.

“If Plaintiff’s last-minute request for relief were granted, either party could create chaos for their own political purposes to disrupt the election process,” he continued. “Over 20,000 registered Californians would potentially lose the right that generations of Americans have fought to preserve.”

California has been skeptical about the validity of the administration’s list and claimed it is not obliged to verify voters’ citizenship.

The Hill has reached out to the Department of Justice for comment.