L.A. Times Politics is reporting that California could see a unique legal conflict this fall, with county prosecutors potentially charging federal postmasters with felonies. It said these charges would stem from postmasters obeying President Trump’s order to withhold delivery of mail ballots to voters. The outlet noted the scenario raises questions about federalizing the California National Guard to protect postmasters from local law enforcement.
The L.A. Times observed that Trump continues to alienate Democratic voters and damage the Republican Party's image. It highlighted Trump’s "hypocritical" efforts to interfere with state elections and restrict mail-in voting, despite his own use of mail ballots in Florida. Trump reportedly justified his personal use by stating, "Because I’m president of the United States," and having "a lot of different things" to do.
The outlet said Trump's claims of widespread mail-ballot cheating are a "big lie," with no significant evidence ever produced. It reported that a Pew Research Center survey found 58% of Americans support mail voting, with 83% of Democrats and left-leaning independents in favor, while 68% of Republicans oppose it. In California, a UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll showed 72% of all voters approve of mail balloting, though 62% of Republicans disapprove.
L.A. Times Politics also reported that Democratic leaders and voting rights advocates across California and the nation are coordinating and planning responses to potential actions by the Trump administration to "subvert" the November vote or challenge its outcome.