California Supreme Court Orders GOP Sheriff to Pause Election Probe and Preserve Ballots
The California Supreme Court has issued an order mandating Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco to immediately pause his investigation into alleged election fraud and preserve over half a million seized ballots from the November 2025 special election. The ruling follows a legal challenge initiated by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who argued that the sheriff lacks jurisdiction over election materials. Bianco had previously seized thousands of ballot boxes based on complaints from a local citizens group regarding redistricting results, despite local officials deeming the allegations unfounded. After Bonta intervened, Bianco seized additional ballots before eventually pausing his probe due to mounting legal pressure. This case highlights growing tensions between state authorities and local law enforcement regarding election integrity, occurring amidst a broader national context where former President Donald Trump continues to dispute past election outcomes.
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California Supreme Court Orders GOP Sheriff to Pause Election Probe and Preserve Ballots
The California Supreme Court has issued an order mandating Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco to immediately pause his investigation into alleged election fraud and preserve over half a million seized ballots from the November 2025 special election. The ruling follows a legal challenge initiated by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who argued that the sheriff lacks jurisdiction over election materials. Bianco had previously seized thousands of ballot boxes based on complaints from a local citizens group regarding redistricting results, despite local officials deeming the allegations unfounded. After Bonta intervened, Bianco seized additional ballots before eventually pausing his probe due to mounting legal pressure. This case highlights growing tensions between state authorities and local law enforcement regarding election integrity, occurring amidst a broader national context where former President Donald Trump continues to dispute past election outcomes.
AP News