Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco is in the spotlight as the California Supreme Court considers whether he must return approximately 650,000 ballots seized from a November 2025 special election on redistricting. The court recently heard arguments from Bianco’s legal team and representatives of California, prompted by a legal challenge from state Attorney General Rob Bonta.
Bonta, who launched the legal challenge in March, has demanded that Bianco return the ballots he seized. Bianco has refused, contending he acted within his rights following a complaint he received.
“I did this, and this was legal,” Bianco stated. He argues his approach was lawful but simply not preferred by the state.
Despite the ongoing court proceedings, Bianco retains possession of the ballots, as his attorney Bradley Hertz stated, asserting they are considered evidence.
These ballots are connected to a November 2025 special election regarding Proposition 50, a legislative redistricting measure passed by over 3.4 million votes, according to the California Secretary of State.
Bianco has cast doubt on the official count, suggesting discrepancies between machine calculations and ballots. Outside the courthouse, he expressed confusion over the state’s opposition to further investigation.
“How strange that now we have evidence that the machines counted something different than the ballots we have, and an Attorney General runs in to stop that investigation,” Bianco remarked.
Bonta has criticized Bianco’s actions, supported by the UCLA Voting Rights Project, which also pursued legal measures against Bianco. Bonta emphasizes his oversight position and accuses Bianco of breaching his legal duties.
“This is a sheriff who failed to comply with clear language in the California constitution,” Bonta asserted.
Bianco challenges Bonta’s reading of the law, insisting that while Bonta can direct operations, he cannot halt investigations.
Both the UCLA Voting Rights Project and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office have been contacted for further comments, as the legal dispute continues.
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