California plans to sue again over order on mail-in ballots

The Center Square) – California intends to file a new lawsuit against the Trump administration over an executive order placing restrictions on mail-in voting. President Donald Trump's executive order, issued in March, directs the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to curate lists with the names of all citizens at least 18 years old in each state who are eligible to vote. The order requires the U.S. Postal Service to check the lists before sending out mail-in ballots. On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court said it would, for now, allow the Trump administration to maintain the order. "This internal directive does not regulate the States' voter registration processes," justices wrote. "Nor does it impinge on the States' authority 'to create and enforce a legal code' for elections.'" In a press release, California Gov. Gavin Newsom warned this will disenfranchise voters across the country. "California will be suing AGAIN to block these Orwellian rules from being implemented," the Democratic governor posted on X. Meanwhile, Newsom said California is advancing an "Election Protection" legislative package. Assembly Bill 282 and Senate Bill 259 will establish new felonies and misdemeanors for seizing election materials or interfering with mail-in ballot delivery. Additionally, the state's latest budget allocates $39.75 million toward election upgrades, faster ballot counting, voter outreach and anti-disinformation efforts. The Trump administration was not fazed by Newsom's comments. "The Supreme Court ruling was a major win for the security of American elections," White House spokeswoman Lauren Bis told The Center Square Tuesday in an email. "Radical Democrats continue to oppose commonsense measures that protect the security of mail-in ballots and ensure only Americans are electing American leaders." Bis added that the Trump administration will "continue to lawfully enact the agenda President Trump was elected on – which includes the safety and security of our elections."