California Supreme Court orders sheriff to return seized ballots
The Hill · September 24, 2026Original source ↗
What happened
The California Supreme Court ruled that Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco must return about 650,000 ballots he seized. The court found that the seizure was unlawful under California law, which specifies that voted ballots must remain in the custody of elections officials.
Why it matters
This ruling underscores the legal protections surrounding the handling of ballots in elections.
How this story affects people
How does this story affect you if you live in Riverside County?
This ruling directly impacts voters in Riverside County, as the return of the 650,000 ballots ensures that their votes are counted and protected according to California law. It reinforces the importance of lawful ballot handling, which is crucial for maintaining trust in the electoral process.
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