The US Department of Justice has sent federal prosecutors to observe ballot processing in Los Angeles during the ongoing count in California’s gubernatorial primary election. The decision comes amid heightened political tension and allegations of electoral irregularities raised by US President Donald Trump.

Officials from the LA County registrar-recorder’s office confirmed that an assistant US attorney was present at the Ballot Processing Centre to monitor procedures and was given an overview of the public observation system.

The development has added further scrutiny to an already closely watched election in the country’s largest state.

Allegations and Political Tension

The intervention follows repeated claims by President Donald Trump alleging that California Democrats were attempting to “rig” the election process. State authorities, however, have firmly rejected these accusations, stating that ballot counting procedures prioritise accuracy over speed.

US Department of Justice officials, along with FBI representatives in Los Angeles, have reportedly launched multiple election-related investigations, according to statements made by federal prosecutors.

Election officials in California maintain that delays in results are a standard feature of the state’s vote-counting system, which relies heavily on mail-in ballots and verification processes designed to ensure accuracy.

Slow Counting Sparks Debate

The ongoing delay in final results has contributed to misinformation and political speculation surrounding the integrity of the electoral process. Officials in Los Angeles County emphasised that millions of ballots are still being processed, making the timeline for results longer than in other states.

California Secretary of State Shirley Weber reiterated that election offices are focused on ensuring every valid vote is counted accurately, even if that takes additional time.

Candidates and Election Outcome

The gubernatorial race features high-profile candidates, including Steve Hilton, Xavier Becerra, and Tom Steyer. According to early outcomes, Xavier Becerra has advanced in the race, setting up a final contest expected in November.

Gavin Newsom’s office has defended the state’s election system, noting that California prioritises accuracy and accessibility over rapid reporting of results.

Broader Political Context

The controversy comes amid a highly polarised political environment in the United States, where election integrity debates have intensified in recent years. Federal involvement in state-level ballot observation is being closely watched for its implications on electoral governance and public trust.

While Trump has publicly claimed irregularities, California officials and election administrators continue to insist that the system is functioning as designed, with safeguards to prevent fraud and ensure transparency.