Contact: Mark Church, Chief Elections Officer & Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder
Alternate: Jim Irizarry, Asst. Chief Elections Officer & Asst. Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder
(Redwood City, CA) The San Mateo County Registration & Elections Division received a letter late Friday afternoon, October 23, from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) requesting information concerning 328 registered voters whose eligibility to vote is being questioned by the DOJ.
The request is part of a broader federal review involving approximately 20,000 registered voters throughout California whose citizenship status is being questioned by federal authorities. The DOJ has requested that election officials review voter eligibility information and take additional steps concerning ballots associated with those individuals.
San Mateo County is reviewing the request in coordination with the California Secretary of State and the San Mateo County Attorney's Office to determine an appropriate response consistent with state and federal law.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their right to vote while maintaining the integrity and accuracy of our elections,” said Mark Church, San Mateo County Chief Elections Officer. “We are carefully reviewing the Department of Justice's request in consultation with state election officials and County legal counsel. We remain committed to protecting voters' rights and administering elections in accordance with the law.”
The DOJ's actions are the subject of ongoing federal litigation. On Sunday, October 25, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments concerning the federal government's request to segregate ballots associated with voters whose citizenship status is being questioned. A federal district court hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27. The DOJ's letter does not itself constitute a court order requiring the County to change its ballot-processing procedures.
Voting continues as usual in San Mateo County for the November 3, 2026, Statewide General Election. Voters can be assured that established voting procedures remain unchanged. Voters may continue to return their vote-by-mail ballots by mail, at any official ballot drop box, or at any Vote Center. Voters may also cast their ballots in person at any Vote Center throughout San Mateo County.
The Registration & Elections Division will continue to monitor legal developments, coordinate with state and county officials, and administer the election in accordance with applicable law. For additional election information, please visit smcacre.gov.