Federal judge halted noncitizen voter investigation in New York

A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from investigating whether noncitizens are registered to vote in nine states, including New York. The judge ruled that the Department of Homeland Security voter-matching data is full of errors and intimidates people who help others vote. The ruling covers 15 polling sites in the county as early voting begins.¹

Rep. Joe Morelle said he wrote to the Justice Department reminding it that its role is to observe, not interfere, with the Attorney General having sworn to prosecute anyone who intimidates voters or appears armed at a polling place. The judge ordered the investigation to remain paused until polls close on Election Day.¹

What this means for New York voters

Early voting runs from Saturday October 24 through Sunday November 1, 2026.²