The Battle for the Ballot: Trump's Legal Fight Over Vote Counting

Two days before the US midterm elections, the Trump administration is waging legal battles over voting procedures and vote counting. In California, the Justice Department has sued to disqualify 20,000 ballots, and in Alaska, a fight is underway over the certification of results.

Two days before the US midterm elections, the Trump administration is waging legal battles over voting procedures and vote counting. According to a report by the Washington Post, the litigation strategy is designed to give the Justice Department additional time to challenge the results after polls close. Trump, who fears a Democratic takeover of Congress and a third impeachment, has diverted the Justice Department from its traditional role of ensuring access to the polls toward erecting last-minute obstacles. One of the most aggressive moves is taking place in California, where the Justice Department has sued to block the counting of more than 20,000 ballots, claiming they involve non-citizen voters. The department has also warned election officials that they will face criminal charges if they count these votes. Meanwhile, a separate criminal investigation is underway into the circumstances of Dan J. Sullivan's candidacy in Alaska, following reports of involvement by the Palin campaign in his recruitment. Since the start of Trump's second term, about 200 people in 22 states have been charged with illegal voting. Senior Justice Department officials have sent letters to election officials demanding the preservation of voter rolls while threatening criminal prosecution.