Ballot Fights in Two States While Voting Is Under Way: Justice Department Asks Washington to Set Aside 400 Ballots, Loses in Court over California
Legal fights over ballots have intensified in the United States while voting in the midterm elections is under way. The US Department of Justice has asked Washington state to set aside any ballots received from more than 400 people it alleges are registered to vote without US citizenship.
The Washington request marks the third time this month that the Justice Department has brought a direct state challenge, even as voting is under way.
In California, meanwhile, the administration has suffered a setback in court. A US federal appeals court has rejected the Trump administration's move to block California from counting the ballots of 20,000 registered voters that the Justice Department claims are non-citizens.
Alongside these legal actions, President Donald Trump has announced a $1m reward for reports of voter fraud. He said the bounty payment was contingent on the arrest and conviction of those responsible. He did not disclose how he would pay for the rewards.
Trump's comments follow his repeated and unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud. The Justice Department's series of actions has sharpened the administration's pressure over the legitimacy of the midterm elections.
