POLITICS08/23/26

USPS Mail Ballot Rule Finalized

USPS finalized a rule requiring states to submit voter lists before sending mail-in ballots.

Photo: Fox News Politics

DIFFERENT FOCUS

Bloomberg Politics emphasized Voting Access Hurdle; Fox News Politics emphasized Ballot Integrity Enforcement.

LEFT FOCUS

▸Bloomberg reported court orders are currently keeping the mail ballot push on hold. — Bloomberg Politics
▸Bloomberg framed the rule as adding 'extra hurdles' to mail-in voting. — Bloomberg Politics

RIGHT FOCUS

▸Fox News reported the rule requires states to provide serialized barcodes on outbound and return ballots. — Fox News Politics
▸Fox News noted states must notify USPS at least 90 days before an election. — Fox News Politics
▸Fox News reported the rule was first proposed on June 2 before being finalized. — Fox News Politics

DOJ California Voter Fraud Sweep

DOJ charged 28 noncitizens and arrested 11 in California under 'Operation Protect the Vote.'

DEVELOPING TIMELINE

First Report Thursday: The Justice Department gave California 48 hours to review flagged noncitizen voters or face emergency legal action.

Sunday: DOJ threatens criminal prosecution for processing noncitizen ballots

Tuesday: DOJ charges 28 noncitizens, arrests 11 in California

Left: Defendants say they never registered to vote.

Right: DOJ arrests 11, charges 28 noncitizen voters.

The DOJ warned California officials that processing ballots from suspected noncitizens could result in criminal prosecution.

DEVELOPING TIMELINE

First Report Thursday: The Justice Department gave California 48 hours to review flagged noncitizen voters or face emergency legal action.

Sunday: DOJ threatens criminal prosecution for processing noncitizen ballots

Left: Feds pressure California mid-election with criminal threat

Right: Trump vows jail if noncitizen ballots are counted

At a CNN town hall, Talarico defended his nine-day flu absence and criticized Paxton for conspiracy theories.

DEVELOPING TIMELINE

First Report Oct 12: Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico attributed a roughly two-week campaign absence to having the flu.

Thursday: Talarico defends flu absence, attacks Paxton conspiracy claims

Left: Paxton allies falsely called it a mental health crisis.

Right: Talarico says he'd handle his flu absence the same way.

Trump held a campaign rally in Wichita, Kansas, Monday to boost Sen. Roger Marshall.

Left: sees slurs, hecklers, and a troubled race.

Right: sees a packed arena and roaring crowd.