DeSaulnier Objects to DOJ Demand Over 400 Contra Costa Ballots

U.S. Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D-Walnut Creek) issued a statement objecting to U.S. Department of Justice letters demanding that Contra Costa County and other California counties set aside specified mail-in ballots within 48 hours for review by federal law enforcement, Claycord and Bay City News reported Monday.

According to DeSaulnier's office, the Justice Department's demand covers approximately 400 ballots in Contra Costa County. The letters followed a Justice Department announcement last week that 28 individuals in California had been charged with voting unlawfully in past elections.

Backing Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder Kristin Connelly

In his statement, DeSaulnier expressed support for Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder Kristin Connelly and state election officials who are contesting the federal directive in court.

"Voting is fundamental to our democracy and Donald Trump's repeated efforts to weaponize the federal government to sow doubt about our elections, silence voters, and suppress turnout are unacceptable and illegal," DeSaulnier said in the statement reported by Claycord and Bay City News.

"Just days before the end of voting, the Department of Justice has demanded that counties in California, including Contra Costa County, turn over voters' ballots when there is no evidence of widespread fraud," DeSaulnier added. "I stand with our County Clerk-Recorder Kristin Connelly and officials throughout the state in fighting back against this abuse of power in court and protecting the integrity of our elections."