Judge to appoint special master in California voting case in setback to Trump admin

What happened: A federal judge said he intends to appoint a special master to examine how the DOJ compiled a list of about 20,000 California ballots it claims are likely from noncitizens, a setback to the DOJ's push for quick intervention. Key numbers: About 20,000 ballots on the DOJ list; a preliminary analysis of 200 Why it matters: Judge David O. Carter appeared skeptical of the DOJ's late-stage request for a temporary restraining order and said threats to state and county election employees should cease. He did not rule at the hearing and said he intends to issue a ruling by tomorrow.

A federal judge said he intends to appoint a special master to examine how the DOJ compiled a list of about 20,000 California ballots it claims are likely from noncitizens, a setback to the DOJ's push for quick intervention.

Judge David O. Carter appeared skeptical of the DOJ's late-stage request for a temporary restraining order and said threats to state and county election employees should cease. He did not rule at the hearing and said he intends to issue a ruling by tomorrow.