The California Supreme Court unanimously held that Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco unlawfully seized about 650,000 ballots from last November’s congressional redistricting referendum and ordered them returned. The decision cited Elections Code section 15551(d), which requires voted ballots remain in the custody of election officials. Attorney General Rob Bonta warned Bianco will face legal consequences, and Gov. Gavin Newsom praised the ruling and recent legislation to protect ballot custody. The case highlights concerns about partisan interference with ballot handling ahead of future elections.
California Supreme Court Orders Return Of 650,000 Seized Ballots, Calls Sheriff’s Actions Unlawful
Mike Blake / REUTERS
The California Supreme Court on Thursday unanimously ruled that Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco unlawfully seized roughly 650,000 ballots from last November's statewide referendum on congressional redistricting and must return them to election officials.
What Happened
Sheriff Chad Bianco, who has served in Riverside County since 2019 and publicly endorsed former President Donald Trump, obtained custody of ballots cast in the referendum that created new congressional districts. The measure, backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom as a counter to GOP-friendly redistricting in Texas, passed statewide by more than 3.3 million votes and carried Riverside County by about 80,000 votes.
Bianco was knocked out of the California governor's race in the June primary. / Carlos Barria / REUTERS
The Court’s Ruling
The seven-member state Supreme Court concluded Bianco’s seizure was unlawful, citing the Elections Code and longstanding rules that voted ballots require special handling to prevent alteration or tampering. The opinion pointed specifically to Elections Code section 15551, subdivision (d), which states that "in no event" shall voted ballots "be taken from the custody of the elections official."
"California law long has recognized that voted ballots require special care and handling to safeguard them from alteration or tampering," the court wrote. It ordered Bianco to refrain from further handling of the ballots except as necessary to comply with the decision.
Reactions
California Attorney General Rob Bonta said Bianco will face "legal consequences." Bonta characterized the sheriff's actions as defiant, saying his office had requested a pause so evidence could be preserved and reviewed — requests the Attorney General says were ignored.
Bonta accused Bianco of “flagrantly violating” his directives. / Carlos Barria / REUTERS
Gov. Gavin Newsom praised the ruling and pointed to recently signed legislation intended to prevent similar seizures in the future. "This ruling affirms that in California we will defend democracy — using every branch of government," he said, noting new protections to keep ballots in the custody of election officials.
Broader Context
Legal observers and election officials say the case underscores concerns about potential attempts by partisan actors to interfere with ballot custody and counting ahead of upcoming elections. The decision reinforces the legal principle that ballots must remain with designated election officials except in narrowly defined circumstances.
Next Steps: The court’s order requires the sheriff to return the ballots and limits his further handling of them to actions needed to comply with the ruling. The Attorney General has signaled possible further legal action.
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