Last Updated on June 19, 2025
California Assemblymember Carl DeMaio ignited an election integrity controversy on May 27, 2025, by opposing AB 930, a bill that allows non-citizens to serve on election recount boards.
Specifically, DeMaio expressed his strong opposition to AB 930, arguing that it does not modernize voting procedures but instead enables non-citizens to serve as recount board members.
His statements made in a meeting of the California State Assembly have stirred up a debate around the integrity of elections involving non-citizens. You can listen to DeMaio’s comments and get insights into AB 930.
Carl DeMaio, a member of the California State Assembly, expressed his opposition to AB 930, highlighting that this legislation could allow undocumented immigrants to participate in recount boards and permit the acceptance of ballots up to 7 days after the election. Check out his speech! pic.twitter.com/FvyOH6dW2d
— Office of Asm. Carl DeMaio (@AsmDeMaioOffice) May 23, 2025
Legal Concerns Challenge AB 930
AB 930 contradicts federal regulations, sparking legal uncertainties. The Title 8 U.S.C. § 1324a(a)(1)(A) explicitly prohibits the hiring of unauthorized immigrants, while subsection 1324a(2) forbids their ongoing employment.
The election integrity controversy questions AB 930’s legality, as it involves non-citizens in elections. DeMaio argued,
“I’m not sure why a non-citizen should have any business serving on a board overseeing a US election. That’s not how people vote in America.”
This stance reflects constitutional concerns. Review federal laws.
San Francisco’s Precedent Fuels Debate
San Francisco’s 2024 appointment of non-citizen Kelly Wong to its Elections Commission sets a precedent. American Renaissance reported,
“Kelly Wong, an immigrant rights advocate, is believed to be the first non-citizen appointed to the commission.”
This example fuels the election integrity controversy, as DeMaio’s opposition highlights potential issues. Read the report.
Implications Threaten Public Trust
DeMaio’s opposition addresses AB 930’s broader implications. He stated,
“I think most Californians would wonder how it can be a modern election if non-citizens are serving on an election board overseeing the election. That’s not an insult. That’s common sense.”
The election integrity demands reassessment of election roles. Non-citizen involvement could erode trust, especially with extended ballot times, which DeMaio warned,
“This bill also extends the amount of time for ballots to be returned in an election. We already are the laughing stock of the world when it comes to counting ballots. Most third world countries have something called an election day. Not an election month.”
He urged,
“Let’s put the health of our democracy first. Let’s do everything we can to restore public trust and confidence in our democracy.”
Explore election integrity.
