Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law requiring a court order before anyone — including federal agents — can access California voter rolls or election technology. The measure, enacted days before the state's primary Election Day, was prompted by concerns over recent federal acquisition of voting records and a March seizure of roughly 650,000 ballots by Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco. Supporters say the law will protect election integrity and public confidence; critics warn it could deepen partisan disputes.
Newsom Signs Law Requiring Court Orders To Shield California Voter Rolls From Federal Access
Governor Gavin Newsom speaks to reporters on May 20, 2026 inside the U.S. Capitol.(Nathan Posner / Anadolu via Getty Images)
California has enacted a new law that requires a court order before anyone — including federal agents — can access the state's voter rolls or election-related technology. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the measure just days before California's primary Election Day as officials sought to shore up protections against what they describe as potential federal interference.
The move follows reporting that the Justice Department obtained voter records from states President Donald Trump lost in 2020, including Georgia and Arizona. Critics say those acquisitions occurred while the administration continued to promote unfounded claims that Democratic fraud cost Mr. Trump the 2020 election.
Supporters of the legislation say the new restrictions are a necessary safeguard. At the bill-signing news conference, Assemblywoman Gail Pellerin, a sponsor of the measure, cited a March incident in which Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco seized roughly 650,000 ballots from special elections last year as an example of why tighter rules are needed. Bianco, a Republican candidate for governor, has faced scrutiny over reported ties to the Oath Keepers, an extremist militia linked to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told The Associated Press that Newsom was "levying false attacks" against President Trump.
Proponents also pointed to other recent developments that raised concern: reports that an acting Justice Department official supported the idea of sending armed federal agents to voting sites, public statements by the president suggesting Republicans should "take over" elections in some jurisdictions, and broader questions about efforts to challenge or influence electoral processes. Given those factors, California officials argue that requiring judicial authorization is a reasonable step to protect election integrity and voter confidence.
“Everything Donald Trump is trying to do — to vandalize truth, to vandalize trust, to rig the election — requires vigilance, and it requires resolve, and with this law, California’s leading to provide the kind of clarity that’s necessary so people know that their vote will be counted,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in remarks posted to social media.
The law formalizes a higher bar for access to sensitive election information and technology, reinforcing state control over how and when outside parties can review voter data. Supporters say the change will help preserve public trust in California's elections; opponents argue it could politicize access and stoke partisan tensions.
Reporting note: This article is based on statements from state officials and news reports, including coverage by The Associated Press and MS NOW.
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