Governor Gavin Newsom warned federal judges of potential Trump administration ballot seizures

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California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, urged federal judges to prepare for possible attempts by the Trump administration to seize ballots during the midterm elections. In a letter to four federal judges in California, Newsom said he had “grave concerns” that federal agents would seek warrants to seize ballots and ballot materials before results were certified. He said the only purpose for such warrants would be to interfere with the state’s lawful counting and certification of votes. Newsom pointed to the Justice Department’s effort to obtain state records in its criminal inquiry into claims of noncitizen voting. A federal appeals court rejected the administration’s bid on Friday, potentially setting up a Supreme Court showdown. Separately, a federal judge ordered the Justice Department to stop threatening prosecution of state and local election officials who refuse its election-related demands.