05/28/2026
Another loss for Bianco is a win for the community š
Bianco should never have taken Riverside County ballots and now it is codified in state law.
RETURN OUR BALLOTS!!!
šØ CALIFORNIA LAW NOW BANS LAW ENFORCEMENT FROM SEIZING BALLOTS
California lawmakers have officially passed a new law prohibiting law enforcement agencies from taking possession of ballots or voting equipment from election officials.
Senate Bill 73 was introduced by State Senator Sabrina Cervantes after Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco seized more than 650,000 ballots connected to the 2025 special election investigation.
The bill passed both the California Senate and Assembly before being signed into law this week by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
āVoters should never wonder whether ballots were improperly handled,ā said Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, one of the billās Democratic coauthors and a former Santa Cruz County registrar. āAnd law enforcement powers should never be misused in ways that jeopardize the integrity of our democratic process.ā
The new law states:
⢠Law enforcement cannot seize ballots or voting equipment
⢠Election officials cannot voluntarily surrender ballots
⢠Violations may carry criminal penalties
Supporters say the law protects election integrity and clarifies who has authority over ballots during elections.
Others argue law enforcement should still be able to investigate legitimate election concerns when evidence exists.
The legal and political issues surrounding the Riverside County ballot investigation remain ongoing.