Trump-appointed judge on 9th Circuit panel questions Justice Department's bid to set aside 20,000 California mail ballots

Federal appeals judges on Sunday challenged the timing, constitutionality and legal authority of the Justice Department's demand. The department wants California election officials to set aside about 20,000 mail ballots. The doubts came from a 9th Circuit panel that includes a judge appointed by Trump himself, and the panel has not yet ruled.

The ballot fight comes in the run-up to the midterm elections.

The ruling will decide whether California must hold back the 20,000 ballots.