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Appeals court rejects Justice Department request for California to set aside disputed ballots
By Marcus Chen
Hate symbols painted on trees near Orange County early voting site, officials say
Katherine Langford
Katherine Langford
Editor-in-Chief · Edina, MN
Katherine oversees editorial operations across all six brands. Before joining The Meridan Group, she spent 14 years at the Minneapolis Star Tribune, where she led the metro desk through its digital transformation. She holds a Master's in Journalism from Northwestern's Medill School.
More from Katherine →Editor-in-Chief · Friday, October 30, 2026 at 6:03 PM · 1 min read
Several hate symbols were found painted on trees near an early voting site in Orange County, according to the Supervisor of Elections Office.Swastikas painted on trees near voting locationThe swastikas were found outside the Taft Community Center on South Orange Avenue.In a news release, elections supervisor Karen Castor Dentel said the office worked with Orange County government and other officials to have the symbols removed. "These symbols represent a history of hatred, antisemitism, and violence," Castor Dentel said. "Their presence in our community is deeply disturbing and unacceptable.""No one should have to encounter symbols of hate and wonder whether they are welcome or safe in the place where they live, work, vote, or participate in their community," Castor Dental added.The Orange County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident.It's unclear when the symbols were found. Early voting in Orange CountyOfficials said the Taft Community Center will remain open for early voting
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