Judge bars Justice Department from threatening California election officials

US District Judge Trina Thompson issued a temporary restraining order late Friday, a day after labour unions and other groups sued. It blocks the Justice Department from demanding that officials set ballots aside or from threatening them with criminal prosecution.

Separately, a federal appeals court panel ruled 2-1 on Friday against the department's request to set aside ballots from about 20,000 people it alleges are not citizens. The panel said that if the government wants different procedures, it should go to Congress, not the courts.

Judge Thompson wrote that “one of the hallmarks of a fair election is the freedom to exercise the right to vote free from threat, fear, or intimidation.”

— Judge Trina Thompson

California

The restraining order expires Nov 16, with the next hearing set for Nov 13. The judge also ordered the Justice Department to tell the court of any pending search warrant applications or subpoenas.