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Election Day, Nov 3, mobilization as early voting surges and officials warn of disruptions

politicsNov 2, 202623240

ProPublica reports that as Americans head to the polls on Tuesday, the Trump administration has pressed unprecedented federal actions to assert control over elections, including demands for unredacted voter rolls and efforts to limit mail-in voting. The Department of Homeland Security has used resources to identify and prosecute noncitizen voters, and the administration recently threatened to prosecute election officials who do not reject ballots the federal government flags as likely from noncitizens. Courts have blocked most of the administration’s plans so far, but officials have not ruled out sending federal agents to polling places or seizing ballots and voting machines. DHS and ICE told ProPublica they are not planning targeted operations at polling locations and would only arrest people at polls to address safety threats, while also saying they will pursue noncitizen voters. Both parties have expanded poll-watching operations; Republicans said they will focus on eligibility and roll accuracy, Democrats on intimidation and voting hurdles. Voting experts and a fired Election Assistance Commission commissioner, Ben Hovland, warned the administration’s tactics are creating confusion and doubt that could depress turnout and strain election officials on Election Day. ProPublica reporters are monitoring voter suppression, poll observers, extremism tied to the election, and ICE activity at the polls and are asking readers to report problems they see.

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