California Supreme Court reviews sheriff's hold on 2025 election ballots

The California Supreme Court heard arguments on whether Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco can retain about 650,000 ballots from a November 2025 special redistricting election that passed by roughly 80,000 votes. Bianco seized the boxes in March after a local group claimed the count was inaccurate, though officials had dismissed the allegation. Attorney General Rob Bonta promptly filed a lawsuit demanding the ballots' return, labeling the action a threat to election confidence, and the UCLA Voting Rights Project joined the case for county voters.

During the dispute, Bianco initiated a recount with deputies and a court-appointed special master but suspended the effort as the state and voting-rights lawsuits progressed. He continues to hold the ballots, arguing they are evidence, while his legal counsel maintains the sheriff was following penal-code procedures. The case also draws attention because Bianco was a Republican contender for governor and now seeks reelection as sheriff in 2028.