In Shasta County, California, Superior Court Judge Benjamin L. Hanna has issued a preliminary injunction against Measure B. This measure, approved by 56% of voters, proposed major changes to the county’s election process. It aimed to end most voting by mail and mandate hand-counting of ballots. The injunction means Measure B will not affect the upcoming November general election.

Legal Challenges to Measure B

California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley Weber filed a lawsuit against Shasta County. The lawsuit claims Measure B conflicts with state election laws. Initially, the case was in the 3rd District Court of Appeal, which redirected it to a trial court. Judge Hanna agreed with the state’s argument, stating that Measure B might disenfranchise voters eligible under state law.

State Response and Local Opposition

Weber supported the judge’s decision, emphasizing that new voting barriers weaken democracy. The Shasta Election Task Force, creators of Measure B, believe the state lacks a legal basis for its opposition. They argue Measure B reflects voter intent.

Broader Context

Election skepticism has grown in Shasta County, a conservative area. This movement gained momentum amid claims by former President Trump about election fraud. Measure B became popular due to slow vote counts after the June primary. Governor Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers responded by allocating $40 million to expedite the count.

Specifics of Measure B

Measure B sought to restrict mail-in voting to select groups, like military personnel and overseas citizens. It proposed single-day, in-person voting and required a separate county voter registration system. Government-issued photo ID would be necessary to vote. Civil rights groups, including the ACLU and League of Women Voters, opposed the measure, arguing it could disenfranchise voters.

Shasta County’s Recent Election Controversies

Shasta County has seen significant election-related disputes. The Board of Supervisors had previously removed Dominion voting machines, opting for hand counts and triggering a new state law against such practices. Clint Curtis, a vocal advocate for Measure B, promoted election fraud theories and was involved in controversies over ballot drop boxes. He was recently replaced as the county registrar.