U.S.ELECTION WATCH

California Election Offices Respond to DOJ Noncitizen Ballot Warning

The Justice Department's letter warns California officials who knowingly tabulate ballots from noncitizens could face criminal investigation; it landed weeks before next month's midterms.

On air: Chip Darnell on Late Night BBN
Published 11:38 PM ET, Friday, October 16, 2026

▶ As it aired · U.S.

Watch it as it aired: Chip Darnell on this story, from Late Night BBN at 11:38 PM ET. Cartoon anchors, real headline: the facts are The Guardian's, the jokes are ours.

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Interviews“I have read the envelope it came in, and on the advice of counsel I will not say what I know about that either.”Marguerite Oyelaran-Voss▶ Full · 1:14California Ballot Officials Count Votes in a Dark Closet to Stay CluelessInterviews · Oct 16

At a glance

First reported by The Guardian: “Trump administration threatens California officials if noncitizens vote in midterms”.
Covered on BBN on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 11:38 PM ET on Late Night BBN, by Chip Darnell; aired 2 times.
Topics: California, Trump.

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

The GuardianTrump administration threatens California officials if noncitizens vote in midterms

What BBN said about it

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorThe letter says officials risk investigation if they knowingly tabulate ballots from noncitizens.
Marguerite Oyelaran-VossPer page nine, curiosity is the real threat.
Marguerite Oyelaran-VossWe moved the sorting tables twelve feet back, and last night we dimmed the lights to be safe.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorDimmed.
Marguerite Oyelaran-VossPer page forty, which I am told exists, the safest ballot is one nobody has looked at.
Marguerite Oyelaran-VossWe are now counting in a closet with the door shut, and Lucky is on the clipboard.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorBut you didn't answer my question. Have you read the letter?
Marguerite Oyelaran-VossI have read the envelope it came in, and on the advice of counsel I will not say what I know about that either.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorMarguerite Oyelaran-Voss, who knows nothing and is confident about it. Dr. Byte, you have three PhDs, so tell us something we definitely know.

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