Trump DOJ warns election officials of possible jail time days before midterm — with army of watchers headed to polls

Key Points:

• The Justice Department, under President Trump, has instructed election officials in all 50 states to preserve voting records for at least 22 months, warning that willful destruction or alteration of these records is a federal crime punishable by jail time and fines.
• Acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter emphasized the importance of preventing illegal voting, particularly by non-citizens, asserting that such votes cancel out legitimate ones and that enforcement aims to protect election integrity.
• Both Republicans and Democrats are deploying extensive networks of poll monitors and legal teams nationwide to observe elections, report violations, and prepare for potential legal challenges amid heightened concerns over election security and interference.
• The Department of Homeland Security clarified that Immigration and Customs Enforcement will not conduct operations targeting polling locations, but warned non-citizens who vote illegally will face arrest, charges, and deportation.
• The midterm elections are marked by numerous lawsuits from both parties, including high-profile cases such as the Alaska Senate race controversy, with President Trump and Democrats accusing each other of attempts to manipulate or undermine the election process.