A federal judge rejected a request from the United States government to stop California from processing the ballots of up to 20,000 people over allegations they are likely noncitizens, warning it would “wreak havoc” on the midterm elections, according to the AP.

In the ruling, the judge wrote that eroded trust in democracy is irreparable, that once a vote is segregated, lasting harm has occurred and that democracy is in danger if the Executive can discount votes because of unproven allegations. The Justice Department said it would immediately appeal the decision.