Judge rejects DOJ request to block California from immediately counting ballots linked to alleged noncitizens

What happened: A federal judge rejected the Justice Department's request for a temporary restraining order that would have barred California from counting mail ballots from more than 20,000 alleged noncitizen voters. Why it matters: Judge Carter said the request would disrupt an election already underway and create a chilling effect on election workers and voters. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said the DOJ will seek an emergency order from the Ninth Circuit. Coverage: 8 outlets in 24h

A federal judge rejected the Justice Department's request for a temporary restraining order that would have barred California from counting mail ballots from more than 20,000 alleged noncitizen voters.

Judge Carter said the request would disrupt an election already underway and create a chilling effect on election workers and voters. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said the DOJ will seek an emergency order from the Ninth Circuit.