Washington ballot challenge: U.S. Justice Department seeks to set aside 400 suspected noncitizen votes

Direct fact

On October 26, 2026, the U.S. Justice Department asked Washington state to set aside ballots from more than 400 people it suspects registered without U.S. citizenship, in a state with over 5 million registered voters.

Key specifics

• The Justice Department said it had identified 1,500 votes cast by over 400 people in prior elections.
• Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said his office had received about 60 subpoenas from the Justice Department since last month.
• Acting U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd said the state should set aside those ballots until legal voter status is confirmed.
• The state has more than 5 million registered voters, making the request significant in scale.
• The issue is linked to the Elections Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which gives state legislatures power over congressional election rules.

Exam lens

Question type: international polity and election administration, 1,500 votes, 400 people, 5 million voters, Elections Clause; TNPSC may ask which constitutional provision gives states power over election time, place and manner.