So now Hobbs will have to decide to sequester the ballots or be subjected to prosecution. The other kicker: the ballots have likely already been tabulated, as the state immediately runs them through the machines.

This panel decision puts WA Sec of State Steve Hobbs in a pickle. The DOJ asked for the ballots to be sequestered only until citizenship is confirmed. Hobbs admitted that the state does not have the tools to verify citizenship. So now Hobbs will have to decide to sequester the ballots or be subjected to prosecution. The other kicker: the ballots have likely already been tabulated, as the state immediately runs them through the machines.

— Katie Daviscourt 📸 (@KatieDaviscourt) November 3, 2026