California's governor, Gavin Newsom, said on Monday that his state would sue the Trump administration again to block federal changes to mail voting. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.
The decision comes after the US Supreme Court ruled that a previous suit, filed by his state and 22 others, was premature.
"California will be suing AGAIN to block these Orwellian rules from being implemented," Newsom posted on social media.
Newsom also highlighted two new proposed state laws that would make it a crime to interfere with the delivery of mail ballots.
In a press release, Newsom added that he and the California legislature "are doubling down to ensure California continues to defend democracy as new threats from Donald Trump and his election-rigging allies emerge."
The two draft laws would establish three new felonies under California state law, punishable by up to four years in prison.
One of the laws would prohibit anyone "from seizing or causing the seizure of ballots, election records, or certified voting technology before election results are certified," and blocks "any person with authority from directing someone in their supervision to do the same."
The second law makes it a felony "for a person in a position with authority" to direct another person "to interfere with a ballot's delivery to a voter or return to the local elections official." That same legislation would make it a misdemeanor to interfere with "the delivery of a vote by mail ballot to a voter."
Newsom's move is a significant step in the fight against the Trump administration's interference in the electoral process. California has previously challenged several Trump administration decisions in court.
Experts say the new bills are aimed at protecting the integrity of the electoral process and should prevent attempts to interfere with elections.
Mail-in voting is widely used in the United States, especially during the pandemic. However, Trump and his allies have repeatedly claimed fraud in mail-in voting, but no evidence has been provided to support these allegations.
California's action comes amid national debates over protecting voting rights. Many Democrats and civil society representatives believe the Trump administration's attempts to change voting rules are aimed at making it harder for voters to cast ballots.
Newsom's statement reflects California's stance on defending democratic values. The state has previously filed several lawsuits against the federal government on issues such as immigration, the environment, and healthcare.
The new bills are currently under consideration in the California legislature. If passed, they would impose severe penalties for attempts to interfere with the electoral process.
This event is part of broader debates over the integrity of the US electoral system. The Trump administration's attempts to change election rules are being challenged in courts in several states.
California's action could serve as an example for other states. Many states are opposing the Trump administration's election policies.
Newsom's reference to "Orwellian rules" alludes to George Orwell's novel "1984," where a totalitarian regime controls language and truth. This comparison is a strong criticism of the Trump administration's attempts to change election rules.
Currently, mail-in voting is widely used in California. The majority of voters in the state vote by mail.
The Trump administration's attempts to change mail-in voting rules could affect the electoral process. However, states like California are resisting these attempts.
Newsom's statement is a significant political event ahead of the elections. It demonstrates his readiness to oppose the Trump administration's attempts to interfere with elections.
California's action is an important step in the fight for voting rights. This initiative could serve as a model for other states.