U.S. to monitor some state polls

Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) said that asa former California secretary of state, he knows that “California elections are safe and secure and that election irregularities remain exceedingly rare,” and questioned the Trump administration’s motives for sending monitors.

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“Historically, we've counted on the U.S. Department of Justice to protect voting rights and help ensure that elections run smoothly, but under the Trump administration that’s changed,” Padilla said inastatement to The Times. “Donald Trump has weaponized the DOJ to attack public confidence in our elections and take steps to block access to the ballot. Any move by DOJ observers that makes it harder for eligible citizens to exercise their right to vote would cross a dangerous line.”

Early in-person voting starts Saturday in 29 California counties, including several counties where federal election monitors are planned.

California officials, including Secretary of State Shirley Weber and California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta, have promised safe and fair elections and said their teams will also be out in the field enforcing California's election laws as voters weigh in on Proposition 50.

California’s Constitution currently puts redistricting decisions in the hands of an independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. Proposition 50 would require the temporary use of new maps placed on the ballot by the Democratic-led California Legislature, but return authority to draw districts to the commission in 2031.

Newsom and other backers of the measure have said they generally support independent redistricting processes and will push for nonpartisan commissions nationwide, but that Democrats must fight back against Trump's current efforts to have Republican states reconfigure their congressional districts to ensure the GOP retains control of Congress after the 2026 election.