Key facts
- California Governor Gavin Newsom warned federal judges of potential ballot seizure attempts by the Trump administration.
- The warning was issued in a letter to federal judges on Saturday.
- The dispute involves the administration's demand for records related to noncitizen voting in California.
- A US appeals court rejected the administration's bid for records on Friday.
- A federal judge ordered the Justice Department to stop threatening to prosecute state election officials.
California Governor Gavin Newsom warned federal judges on Saturday to prepare for potential attempts by the Trump administration to seize ballots during the upcoming midterm elections. The warning comes amid a legal dispute over the administration's demand for records related to noncitizen voting in the state. A US appeals court rejected the administration's bid for records on Friday, potentially setting up a Supreme Court showdown. Separately, a federal judge ordered the Justice Department to stop threatening to prosecute state and local election officials who refuse to comply with the administration's election-related demands. Newsom expressed concerns that federal agents might seek search warrants to interfere with the state's lawful counting and certification of election results. The Trump administration has alleged that over 20,000 noncitizens are registered to vote in California, a claim questioned by the state and experts.