A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order late Friday prohibiting the federal government from demanding that California election officials segregate ballots or threatening them with criminal prosecution over alleged noncitizen voters. U.S. District Judge Trina Thompson stepped in following a lawsuit filed by labor unions and advocacy groups that accused the Trump administration of interfering with midterm administration and intimidating local workers.
Court Order Halts DOJ Actions
The ruling specifically blocks the Department of Justice from ordering state and local authorities to separate mail-in ballots or pursue criminal charges against workers who do not comply. Additionally, Judge Trina Thompson mandated that federal officials must notify the court regarding any active subpoenas or search warrant applications.
Allegations of Voter Intimidation
During the legal proceedings, the court evaluated claims that federal actions violated the Voting Rights Act of 1965, specifically its prohibition against coercing or threatening individuals aiding voters. The lawsuit highlighted letters sent to all 50 states and Washington, D.C., in July by Harmeet Dhillon, head of the Justice Department Civil Rights Division, which threatened local officials with criminal prosecution.
Federal authorities had recently pushed California officials to isolate mail ballots for approximately 20,000 individuals alleged to be non-U.S. citizens. This effort included grand jury subpoenas directed at officials in Los Angeles County.
Key Facts of the Ruling
- U.S. District Judge Trina Thompson issued the temporary restraining order on Friday, which is set to expire on November 16.
- The next court hearing in the case is officially scheduled for November 13.
- A separate federal judge and an appellate court both rejected the administration's requests to compel California to segregate the disputed ballots.
- The legal challenge was launched by labor unions and other organizations accusing federal actors of voter intimidation.
Judge Thompson emphasized the importance of public trust in her written decision, noting, "One of the hallmarks of a fair election is the freedom to exercise the right to vote free from threat, fear, or intimidation." She further wrote, "Although Defendants claim that their actions are designed to halt unlawful voting by noncitizens, their actions are likely to have the effect of interfering with election administration and disenfranchising lawful voters."
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the judge order the DOJ to stop doing?
Judge Trina Thompson ordered the federal government to stop demanding that election officials separate specific ballots or not count certain votes, and to cease threatening workers with criminal prosecution.
When does the temporary restraining order expire?
The temporary restraining order issued by the court is scheduled to expire on November 16, with a hearing set for November 13.
How many disputed ballots were targeted by federal authorities?
The Justice Department pressed state officials to separate mail ballots for roughly 20,000 individuals that federal officials alleged were not U.S. citizens.