Read · October 30, 2026
Federal Judge Trina Thompson in California orders the Justice Department to stop threatening election officials with prosecution over ballots it says belong to noncitizens, days before the midterms
U.S. District Judge Trina Thompson on Friday issued a temporary restraining order that bars the Justice Department from threatening state and local election officials and workers with criminal prosecution over ballots from voters the administration says are not citizens, and from demanding that those ballots be set aside. The order came in a lawsuit brought by labor unions and other groups. Thompson found that federal officials likely violated the Voting Rights Act. CBS News reports that the order expires on Nov. 16 and that the next hearing is set for Nov. 13. The ruling comes days before the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
- From the LeftCBS News: Judge orders DOJ to stop trying to "intimidate" and "threaten" California election officials
CBS reports the order, its Nov. 16 end date, the Voting Rights Act finding and the 20,000-ballot dispute.
Grade: B (88/100). Uses loaded words.
- CenterNewsweek: Trump DOJ blocked nationwide from threatening election officials
Newsweek reports the order's terms, the plaintiffs' claims and the judge's Voting Rights Act finding.
Grade: B (88/100). Uses loaded words.
- From the RightFox News: Federal judge blocks Trump DOJ threats against election workers ahead of 2026 midterms
Fox reports the order, the unions and NAACP behind the suit and the Ninth Circuit's separate ruling.
Grade: A (100/100). No problems found.
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