From The New York Times · · 2m
Court Rejects Trump Effort to Impound California Ballots
Federal court blocks Trump administration from threatening California election officials with criminal prosecution over mail-in ballots.
In brief
Federal court blocks Trump administration from threatening California election officials with criminal prosecution over mail-in ballots. A federal appeals court rejected the Trump administration's request to order California officials to set aside 20,000 mail-in ballots, calling the move unconstitutional. Originally…
Court rejects Trump ballot order
A federal appeals court rejected the Trump administration’s request to order California officials to set aside more than 20,000 mail-in ballots.
Judge blocks criminal threats
Late Friday, a federal judge temporarily blocked the Justice Department from threatening election officials with criminal prosecution if they did not comply with ballot directives.
Trump administration's legal push
The administration has sought to sow doubts about voting integrity ahead of midterms amid voter discontent and declining Trump approval ratings.
Alaska ballot scheme
The Justice Department issued subpoenas linked to a Democratic plan to stack the Alaska Senate ballot in a close race.
Mary Peltola's response
Mary Peltola, the Democratic Senate candidate, said she knew nothing about candidates recruited to peel votes from Senator Dan Sullivan.
Campaign manager's claim
Peltola's former campaign manager claimed she was 'definitely aware' of the ballot-packing effort.
Alaska investigation
The Justice Department says its investigation into the Alaska ballot scheme may never yield criminal charges.
U.S. attorney's stance
Michael J. Heyman, the U.S. attorney for Alaska, stated there is no crime in recruiting a decoy candidate to dilute votes.
Alaska legal battle
Judge Sharon L. Gleason is considering a motion to dismiss the lawsuit filed by Peltola’s campaign and Democrats.
Trump's campaign shift
Trump reversed plans to hold tele-rallies in Kansas and Iowa after Republicans requested in-person appearances.
California ballot dispute
California officials argue the Justice Department’s list of noncitizen voters contains errors and is riddled with inaccuracies.
Election interference fears
Senator Chuck Schumer established a 'war room' to coordinate Democratic response to potential election interference.
Midterm election context
The Trump administration turned to courts in search of structural advantages ahead of the November midterms.
California lawsuit details
The lawsuit claims the Justice Department’s data on noncitizen voters is unreliable and risks disenfranchising eligible voters.
Alaska ballot scheme impact
The Alaska ballot scheme could affect the Senate race between Mary Peltola and Senator Dan Sullivan.
Next steps for Trump
The Trump administration could now ask the Supreme Court to intervene in the California ballot dispute.
The short version
A federal appeals court rejected the Trump administration's request to order California officials to set aside 20,000 mail-in ballots, calling the move unconstitutional.
