By Ahmed Abdelsalam
A federal judge in California issued a sweeping order Friday night blocking the Trump administration from threatening or intimidating election officials amid pressure tactics used in the weeks leading up to next week's midterm elections.
Order Details
The eight-page order prohibits any action that may threaten, intimidate, or coerce state or local election officials or workers to halt processing ballots of any registered voter solely on the basis that the ballot belongs to an individual alleged by the administration to be ineligible to vote.
Judge's Findings
U.S. District Judge Trina Thompson wrote that high-ranking Justice Department and Homeland Security officials have engaged in a campaign to intimidate, threaten, and coerce state and local officials and employees who are administering the ongoing 2026 midterm election.
Background
The order comes after efforts to require states such as California and Washington to separate out ballots the administration says could be cast by noncitizens. An appeals court ruled against the administration in California this week; the Washington case remains pending.
Impact on Voters
Thompson wrote that although defendants claim their actions are designed to halt unlawful voting by noncitizens, their actions are likely to interfere with election administration and disenfranchise lawful voters.
Duration
The judge's order extends through Nov. 16, nearly two weeks after Election Day.
