Washington – Calls from President Trump to “nationalize” U.S. elections have met with firm resistance from California officials, who are preparing for a legal battle should the federal government attempt to exert control over the state’s voting system. The escalating tension reflects a significant breakdown in traditional cooperation between state and federal authorities regarding election administration.
California Braces for Legal Challenge
California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated his confidence in a swift legal victory, asserting, “We would win that on Day One.” He explained that the U.S. Constitution grants states primary responsibility for determining the “time, place and manner of elections,” not the president. Secretary of State Shirley Weber echoed this sentiment, emphasizing California’s readiness to defend its election processes.
Weber highlighted California’s importance as a key state, stating it is “the place that people want to beat,” and acknowledged the likelihood of post-election legal challenges aimed at undermining the state’s results. Both Bonta and Weber affirmed their offices are closely monitoring federal actions, including potential attempts to seize election records, as occurred recently in Georgia, or to challenge the counting of mailed ballots.
Federal Actions and Allegations
President Trump has repeatedly alleged, without evidence, that the 2020 election was stolen and that widespread voter fraud occurred. These claims have prompted action from the Justice Department, including a raid on the Fulton County, Georgia, elections hub and lawsuits against states – including California – seeking access to voter rolls. The department is also defending a Trump executive order aimed at restricting mail voting and imposing stricter proof-of-citizenship requirements.
On Monday, Trump publicly called for Republicans to “take over the voting in at least 15 places.” While White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt initially attempted to attribute these remarks to the “Save Act,” Trump later reaffirmed his position, stating that federal intervention is warranted if states cannot “count the votes legally and honestly.”
Attorney General Bonta indicated that swing congressional districts within California are likely targets for legal challenges, given their potential to influence control of Congress. Concerns about interference have also been voiced by California Democrats in Congress, with Representative Ro Khanna anticipating the administration will utilize “every tool in their toolbox” to disrupt the election process.
Divisions Within the Republican Party
While some Republicans, such as Senate Majority Leader John Thune, have expressed reservations about federalizing elections, citing constitutional concerns and the security benefits of a decentralized system, others have echoed Trump’s criticisms of state-run elections. House Majority Leader Mike Johnson questioned the counting of mail-in ballots in California, alleging potential fraud, a claim dismissed by elections experts as baseless.
Democrats have also raised concerns about potential interference from the U.S. Postal Service, specifically a recent rule change regarding the postmarking of mail-in ballots. This change could lead to a higher rejection rate of ballots in states like California, where postmarking by election day is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the basis for California’s confidence in defending its elections?
California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated the state would “win on Day One” in court, citing the U.S. Constitution, which grants states primary authority over the “time, place and manner of elections.” The state has also previously successfully defended its voter rolls against a Justice Department lawsuit.
What specific actions is the Trump administration taking that are raising concerns?
The Justice Department has raided election offices in Georgia and sued states, including California, for their voter rolls. They are also defending an executive order seeking to restrict mail voting and require proof of citizenship. President Trump has publicly called for Republicans to “take over” election administration in certain areas.
What are California officials advising voters to do?
State officials are recommending that voters make a plan to vote early and consider dropping their ballots in state ballot drop boxes or delivering them directly to voting centers.
Given the current climate, what steps might be taken to ensure the integrity of the upcoming elections?
