California Nurses Association, et al. v. Mullin, et al. — 9th Cir. (Oct 29, 2026)
The Ninth Circuit hears the government's emergency request to pause an order restricting some DHS voter investigations. Before the 2026 midterm elections, DHS was matching voter and immigration records to identify possible unlawful voting and refer people for field interviews. California Nurses Association and other plaintiffs sued, saying faulty data could sweep in U.S. citizens and fear had caused some union members to stop helping other voters. The district judge temporarily restricted certain election-related field operations involving U.S. citizens in nine states, through Election Day. Section eleven B of the Voting Rights Act prohibits intimidating people who vote or help others vote. The judge relied specifically on interference with voter assistance and mobilization. The government will argue that the unions have not shown a sufficient injury and that lawful investigations should not be blocked. Much of the argument concerns standing: whether fear that keeps members from election work amounts to a concrete injury.
California Nurses Association, et al. v. Mullin, et al. (No. 26-7139) — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, argued October 29, 2026.
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