From Kqed · · 1m 10s
California Supreme Court Questions Sheriff’s Ballot Seizure
California Supreme Court justices challenge Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco’s seizure of 650,000 ballots in November election.
In brief
California Supreme Court justices challenge Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco’s seizure of 650,000 ballots in November election. Sheriff’s ballot seizure faces legal scrutiny over state law compliance and election integrity concerns. Originally reported by Kqed.
Court Skeptical of Seizure
California Supreme Court justices questioned Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco’s seizure of over 650,000 November ballots.
“It says in no event shall the packet or its content be taken from the custody of the elections official.”
Sheriff’s Legal Justification
Bianco claims his actions investigate potential voter fraud in California’s redistricting measure election.
“Under your broad view of the warrant power, pursuant to a lawful warrant, the sheriff could seize ballots even before Election Day.”
Democratic Concerns
Democratic leaders fear the seizure is a conservative tactic to undermine vote-by-mail systems.
“It looks like well-meaning officers essentially trying to build a vote-counting airplane while they're flying it.”
State Law Conflict
State law restricts ballot access only during criminal prosecutions, not investigations.
“It cannot be a universal prohibition against all legal processes.”
Election Audit Discrepancy
Riverside County audit found 45,896 fewer ballots than the final count, raising accuracy concerns.
“These are completed in the field by election officers during long workdays.”
Attorney General’s Role
California Attorney General Rob Bonta sued to block the sheriff’s actions, claiming improper oversight.
“Direct supervision does not mean absolute control, and sheriffs are not employees of the attorney general.”
Court’s Legal Debate
Justices debated whether the attorney general’s authority allows seizure of ballots before Election Day.
“That to me says if he wants to drop into a particular county and say, 'Cease this prosecution for shoplifting,' it shall be done.”
State Response
California signed a law in May making it illegal for election officials to hand over ballots to law enforcement.
“It's very possible that the staff may not have recorded the numbers accurately on these daily mail intake forms.”
The one thing
Sheriff’s ballot seizure faces legal scrutiny over state law compliance and election integrity concerns.
