Judge Blocks Controversial Election Measure in Northern California

A Northern California judge has halted the implementation of a voter-approved measure that would have overhauled election procedures in Shasta County. Shasta County Superior Court Judge Benjamin L. Hanna issued an injunction stopping Measure B. This measure, approved by 56% of voters in June, proposed eliminating most mail-in voting and mandated hand counting of ballots.

The November election will proceed as usual, with all registered voters in Shasta County receiving mail-in ballots, in line with state law.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley Weber sued Shasta County, arguing Measure B contravenes state election laws and should be nullified before November. The lawsuit began in the 3rd District Court of Appeal but was redirected to the trial court. Judge Hanna stated that implementing Measure B now could result in voter disenfranchisement, as it requires new voter rolls and re-registration.

Weber emphasized the ruling’s importance, stating new voter barriers weaken democracy. The Shasta Election Task Force, which backed Measure B, argued that the measure was lawfully approved by voters and opposed the state’s intervention.

Shasta County has become a focal point for election reform debates, particularly among Trump supporters claiming election fraud. The county’s Election Task Force pushed Measure B as part of this broader movement.

Measure B proposed limiting mail voting to specific groups, required in-person voting, and enforced a new county voter registration system. It also mandated government-issued photo ID for voting, similar to a statewide initiative set for a November vote. Civil rights groups opposed the measure, citing voter suppression concerns. Richard Gallardo, a Measure B supporter, anticipated state litigation, noting local dissatisfaction with state laws.

In 2023, Shasta County supervisors, influenced by fraud claims, annulled the use of Dominion voting machines and chose hand counting. Clint Curtis, a lawyer from Florida known for opposing voting machines, was appointed registrar but faced criticism for unfounded accusations against previous registrars. Curtis, who supported Measure B, will be succeeded in January by Joanna Francescut, after being voted out in June.