per sos.ca.gov, prob same in other states
Generally, a judge will determine whether the allegations involve a number of votes sufficient to change the outcome of an election as a threshold step to proceeding. If the case continues, all the records of the election, including precinct supplies, rosters, ballots, voting equipment, software, vote-by-mail envelopes, etc., are made available to the attorneys representing both the plaintiff as well as the defendant. A judgment in favor of the plaintiff would prevent the defendant from taking office.