The decision not to invite observers from the OSCE puts the U.S. alongside Russia and Belarus, while the Justice Department prepares to deploy its own poll monitors.

Alt: Centaur

ALT: Alanis Morissette - Isn't It Ironic?

The problem? No federal official can seize control of election administration from the states and counties, who hold the power run elections under the U.S. Constitution.

As ICE widens its surveillance dragnet, activists plan a week of action to disrupt a major data network.

ALT: Shaun the Sheep's Winter Snowball Fight