The U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles announced that it has initiated multiple investigations into election fraud related to California’s elections. A prosecutor has been sent to the county’s vote-counting center. This action follows President Donald Trump’s claims of widespread fraud during California’s primary vote count. These claims have no evidence, yet they were made as late-counted Democratic mail-in ballots continued to reduce votes for Trump’s preferred candidates for governor and Los Angeles mayor.
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, appointed by Trump, announced the investigations, highlighting the persistent criticisms of California’s voting process, which has often been surrounded by conspiracy theories due to its lengthy vote count. Trump reiterated his concerns in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, suggesting without proof that Democrats were manipulating the election results.
Trump has previously expressed skepticism about changes in vote totals as ballots are counted later, often interpreting them as indicators of fraud. However, these changes typically result from more ballots being processed. On Thursday, Trump mentioned that the Department of Justice was examining the California vote count, and by Friday, Essayli indicated ongoing investigations were underway. He commented on the structural vulnerabilities of California’s election process but did not provide specifics.
Mike Sanchez, spokesman for Los Angeles County’s Registrar-Recorder, confirmed that an assistant U.S. attorney visited the ballot processing center. The prosecutor received an overview of the ballot processing operations and the public observation program. Sanchez noted that election officials frequently host observers from various interests.
California’s election process has drawn federal attention before. Last fall, observers were sent to monitor polling sites in five counties during a special election that aimed to alter the congressional map.
Gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton, favored by Trump, suggested major revisions to California’s election laws. His proposal includes limiting mail-in ballots to those who request them and enforcing an Election Day deadline for ballot acceptance. Currently, California allows a seven-day grace period for ballots postmarked by Election Day.
Hilton remarked that while the U.S. attorney’s office might have more insights, his campaign hasn’t observed any illegal activities. Nevertheless, he criticized the slow vote count, suggesting it had turned California into a laughingstock. Hilton proposed that the state sends additional workers to expedite the vote count, although this idea was met with skepticism.
Jesse Salinas, president of the California Association of Clerks and Election Officers, supported Hilton’s enthusiasm but criticized the proposal, warning it might disrupt rather than help. He explained that any personnel would need thorough training, and current facilities are already at full capacity.
Hilton, endorsed by Trump, is competing against two Democrats for a spot in the November election. Reality TV star Spencer Pratt, another Trump-backed candidate, also vies with City Councilwoman Nithya Raman for a chance to challenge Mayor Karen Bass. The pattern of California’s voting demonstrates that Democrats, who often vote by mail, see their votes counted later, which can shrink early Republican leads reported on election night.