Congressman Raul Ruiz and Inland Empire Lawmakers Call on DOJ to Respect California’s Secure Elections and Protect Voters from Intimidation

RIVERSIDE, CA – Inland Empire Representatives Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25), Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Mark Takano (CA-39), and Norma Torres (CA-35) call out the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for actions that intimidate voters and undermine confidence in California’s free and fair elections. The DOJ recently announced plans to send federal election monitors to polling sites in five California counties ahead of the November 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election, a move the lawmakers say is unnecessary and unjustified.

The Inland Empire Representatives joined 41 California Democrats urging the DOJ to respect the state’s election system and refrain from actions that intimidate voters or suppress participation. In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, the lawmakers stressed the importance of protecting California’s transparent and secure voting process, noting that the DOJ has provided no evidence of federal law violations in the state’s elections.

“California’s elections are secure, transparent, and fair. Any attempt to intimidate, harass, or mislead voters is unacceptable. Every Californian has the right to cast their ballot freely, privately, and without fear, and they can be confident their vote will count. False claims meant to sow doubt are a threat to democracy, and we will continue to protect the integrity of our elections.” — Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25)

 “In an effort to intimidate voters and undermine confidence in California’s Statewide Special Election on November 4th, Donald Trump is directing his Department of Justice to unnecessarily send federal monitors to the state. Let’s be clear: California elections are free and fair, and voters should feel safe going to the polls or mailing in their ballots. I’m confident Californians will make their voices loud and clear in just a few days.” — Congressman Pete Aguilar (CA-33)

“California knows how to run elections. We have one of the most transparent and secure systems in the country, and millions of Californians vote safely every year. I welcome fair observation from the Department of Justice, but not interference or intimidation. Donald Trump and his cronies are just looking for an excuse to suppress turnout, but I’m confident Californians will make their voices heard in this upcoming special election for Prop 50.” — Congressman Mark Takano (CA-39)

“There is no justification for the DOJ to intimidate Inland Empire voters with unnecessary federal monitors. California’s elections are safe, secure, and fair. Donald Trump and the Republican Party continue spreading lies to undermine trust, both here and across the nation. We saw the deadly consequences of those lies on January 6, when a President refused to accept the results of a fair election. Their goal is clear: to sow distrust, suppress votes, and silence Californians, especially Latino communities in Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire. DOJ’s actions are an attack on our democracy, and I will not stand by while Californians’ right to vote is threatened.” — Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35)

California operates one of the most transparent and secure election systems in the nation. Every registered voter automatically receives a mail-in ballot, and each ballot includes a voter-verifiable paper trail, allowing voters to confirm that their vote has been received and counted. Voting machines are thoroughly tested and audited to ensure accuracy and security. In the November 2024 election, more than 16.1 million Californians voted, representing over 71 percent of registered voters, far above the national average.

The Inland Empire delegation emphasized that Californians should feel safe and confident voting by mail, at drop boxes, or in person on Election Day. They encouraged voters to make a plan and to use official resources to track their ballots and find polling places: https://WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov.

Voters in California have the right to cast their ballots free from intimidation, coercion, or interference under both state and federal law. No one can threaten, harass, or obstruct a voter to influence their choice or prevent them from voting. Every eligible voter is entitled to a private, secure voting experience, with access to assistance if needed, without fear of discrimination or suppression. Protections under laws like the Voting Rights Act ensure that all Californians, regardless of race, ethnicity, language, or disability, can participate safely and confidently in the electoral process.

The four Inland Empire members reaffirmed their support for California’s election officials and encouraged residents to vote early, by mail, or in person on Election Day.