Story perspectives

DOJ Could Intervene in State Election Certification, Blanche Says

By Drooid · Oct 23, 2026, 12:04 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said Justice Department could intervene in a state’s election certification under a hypothetical ‘doomsday’ scenario.
He told reporters he answers to U.S. President Donald Trump and works for the president.
Senators Alex Padilla, Dick Durbin and Sheldon Whitehouse asked Blanche to commit in writing by Oct. 29 not to seize ballots.
Legal experts said DOJ lacks authority over state certification and such action would be unconstitutional.

History

Historical Context

In the 2000 presidential race, the U.S. Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling in Bush v. Gore on December 12, 2000 halted Florida’s recount, fixing a 537-vote margin that gave George W. Bush the presidency. That precedent for federal interference underlies Attorney General Todd Blanche’s current claim that the DOJ can seize state-certified ballots, reigniting the state-versus-federal election-authority debate.

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Story summary

U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said Justice Department could intervene in a state’s election certification under a hypothetical ‘doomsday’ scenario.
He told reporters he answers to U.S. President Donald Trump and works for the president.
Senators Alex Padilla, Dick Durbin and Sheldon Whitehouse asked Blanche to commit in writing by Oct. 29 not to seize ballots.
Legal experts said DOJ lacks authority over state certification and such action would be unconstitutional.

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