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Judge blocks Trump administration from threatening election officials before midterms

A temporary order runs through Nov. 16 after a lawsuit by labor unions and other groups.

Updated Oct 31, 2026 · 05:57 UTC2 reports

The short version

U.S. District Judge Trina Thompson issued an order blocking the Trump administration from threatening or intimidating state and local election officials.[NBC News]
The order expires November 16, and the case stems from a lawsuit filed by labor unions and other groups.[NBC News · CBS News]
The judge said federal officials likely violated the Voting Rights Act's ban on intimidating people who help others vote, a finding that remains preliminary.[CBS News]
The Justice Department says its actions are designed to halt unlawful noncitizen voting, while the judge wrote they are likely to disenfranchise lawful voters.[NBC News]

U.S. District Judge Trina Thompson issued an order blocking the Trump administration from threatening or intimidating state and local election officials.[NBC News]
The temporary restraining order expires on November 16.[NBC News · CBS News]
The lawsuit was filed by labor unions and other groups accusing the administration of intimidating California election workers.[CBS News]
The judge said federal officials likely violated the Voting Rights Act's prohibition on attempting to intimidate, threaten or coerce people who help others vote.[CBS News]
The Justice Department says its actions are designed to halt unlawful voting by noncitizens.[NBC News]
A federal appeals court rejected the Trump administration's request to force California election officials to segregate ballots.[NBC News]

The judge's Voting Rights Act finding is preliminary; the order says federal officials likely violated the law, not that they did.[CBS News]
The order is temporary and expires November 16, so its longer-term effect is unknown.[NBC News · CBS News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.