Federal Appeals Court Pauses Restrictions On DOJ Election Directives

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has temporarily blocked a lower court ruling that restricted the Justice Department's efforts to direct state election officials on handling ballots from suspected non-citizens.

However, a 2-1 appeals court decision granted the Trump administration's request to suspend the restrictions while its appeal proceeds. The majority argued that the federal government's actions fell within executive authority and did not interfere with states' control over election procedures.

Judge Mary Helen Murguia dissented, arguing that federal prosecutorial powers should not be used to pressure states into changing their election processes. The ruling marks another development in the administration's legal disputes over voter eligibility and ballot handling.

Related Tweet:

BREAKING: In a 2-1 vote, the Ninth Circuit lifted restrictions on the Trump administration's efforts to have states set aside ballots from suspected noncitizens, allowing it to resume such requests, warn election officials of prosecution, and pursue related investigative steps. https://t.co/F0bhXtQ4ft

— SCOTUS Wire (@scotus_wire) November 3, 2026

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