Midterm Elections: UCLA Law Experts on Election Interference, Mail Ballots, and Delayed Results
With the November 3 midterm elections approaching and voting already underway, questions are mounting about election security, potential federal intervention in state and local elections, mail-in voting, misinformation, and how quickly election officials can determine the winners of closely contested races.
Two experts from UCLA Law's Safeguarding Democracy Project, Professor Richard L. (Rick) Hasen and staff attorney Shelby Wayment, are available to provide legal analysis and context for journalists covering the elections and their aftermath.
The two recently co-authored guidance for judges confronting potential requests to seize election materials during an ongoing election. They also contributed to a U.S. Supreme Court amicus brief challenging proposed restrictions on mail-in voting.
Journalists may contact the experts directly using the information below or reach UCLA Law Media Relations at media@law.ucla.edu
Federal Intervention, Election Integrity and Certification of Results
We are in the unfortunate situation where the greatest threat to the integrity of our elections is federal government interference in state and local election processes.” — Rick Hasen
Richard L. (Rick) Hasen, the Gary T. Schwartz Distinguished Professor of Law and director of UCLA Law's Safeguarding Democracy Project, is a nationally recognized authority on election law, voting rights and election administration.
Hasen is closely watching the potential for federal intervention in state and local election processes, particularly the tabulation and certification of results in races that could determine control of Congress.
He can discuss the legal limits on federal intervention, the role of courts and state election officials, and the safeguards designed to ensure that votes are counted accurately and election results are respected.
Contact: hasen@law.ucla.edu
Election Misinformation and Public Trust
“Even well-intentioned people can accidentally spread misinformation. When voters are distrustful of the system, it weakens trust in electoral outcomes, institutions, and our democracy overall.” — Shelby Wayment
Shelby Wayment, staff attorney for UCLA Law's Safeguarding Democracy Project, focuses on election law and protecting the integrity of the electoral process.
Wayment warns that misinformation can spread rapidly during elections, particularly when voters encounter conflicting information about voting procedures or when election results take days to finalize.
She can discuss the legal and practical challenges posed by election misinformation, the role of trusted local election officials, and how delays in reporting results can fuel unfounded allegations of election fraud.
Contact: wayment@law.ucla.edu
Mail-In Voting, Postal Delivery and Ballot Counting
“The U.S. Postal Service, because of changes in how it handles election mail and because of inefficiency, will not be able to deliver all mailed ballots on time.” — Rick Hasen
Hasen can discuss concerns about the U.S. Postal Service's handling of election mail and the potential consequences of delayed ballot delivery.
He can also explain why California's extensive use of mail ballots can extend the counting process, particularly when voters return ballots close to Election Day.
With control of the House or Senate potentially resting on a handful of close races, Hasen can address the legal procedures governing ballot counting, election challenges, and certification, as well as the distinction between legitimate counting delays and evidence of election irregularities.
Contact: hasen@law.ucla.edu
California's Long Ballots and Election Administration
“I do not blame voters for feeling overwhelmed, and this is a feeling that’s shared by a majority of voters in California.” — Shelby Wayment
Wayment can explain why California voters face lengthy ballots filled with candidates, propositions and local measures, and why some ballot initiatives can be confusing or even conflict with one another.
She can discuss potential reforms to the state's initiative process, the challenges facing local election administrators, and how election officials work to maintain public confidence while processing millions of ballots.
Wayment also emphasizes the importance of adequately supporting state and local election officials, who administer elections despite staffing and funding constraints.
Contact: wayment@law.ucla.edu
Protecting Ballots and Election Materials From Improper Seizure
“A court order allowing law enforcement to seize ballots or voting machines in an ongoing election would be unprecedented in modern times” — Rick Hasen
Hasen and Wayment recently published a judicial guide addressing a potentially unprecedented situation: law enforcement requests to seize ballots, voting machines, or other election materials while votes are still being cast or counted.
Their research examines how courts can protect election integrity while considering legitimate law enforcement requests, including alternatives to seizing election materials that could disrupt voting or ballot counting.
Both experts can discuss the constitutional and practical issues surrounding election-related investigations and judicial oversight.
Contacts: hasen@law.ucla.edu | wayment@law.ucla.edu
Additional UCLA Law Experts
UCLA School Law faculty are available to discuss a wide range of legal issues related to the 2026 midterm elections, including voting rights, constitutional law, presidential power, federal-state relations, election regulation and the rule of law.
Contacts:
UCLA Law Media Relations: media@law.ucla.edu
Carl Marziali carl@lindavistapr.com
Geoffrey Baum geoff@lindavistapr.com