Newsom signs law to shield California elections from federal interference
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law to protect state elections from federal interference, prohibiting unauthorized access to voter rolls and election technology and restricting law enforcement from disrupting election workers except in emergencies.
- The legislation comes amid concerns that the Trump administration might attempt to meddle in the upcoming midterm elections, despite officials denying plans to deploy immigration agents at polling sites.
- Newsom cited the deployment of federal agents in Democratic-led states and the seizure of ballots in Georgia as reasons for the new law, emphasizing the need to safeguard free and fair elections against unprecedented threats.
- The law also criminalizes the unauthorized removal of voted ballots from election officials’ custody, aiming to prevent election tampering.
- Meanwhile, redistricting efforts nationwide, spurred by Trump’s calls, have intensified partisan battles, with Republicans aiming to gain up to 14 House seats and Democrats targeting gains in states like California and Utah.