A federal judge in Washington issued a 14-day order Thursday barring federal officials from directing state election workers to set aside ballots over suspected citizenship issues. The order took effect as counties were still counting votes from November 3.
The dispute followed an October 26 federal request concerning more than 400 registered voters. U.S. District Judge Jamal Whitehead’s order also bars threats to prosecute election workers for declining to carry out the demands, according to Democracy Docket’s account of the ruling.
The order allows federal officials to investigate suspected unlawful voting and request voluntary cooperation. A hearing on whether to extend court protection is scheduled for November 18.
Sources: Reporting on the order and Associated Press on the original federal request.
