The California Supreme Court is evaluating whether Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco must return around 650,000 ballots he seized from a special election in November 2025. The state’s Attorney General Rob Bonta challenged Bianco’s actions legally, demanding the ballots be returned.

Sheriff Bianco has refused to comply, arguing he was compelled to investigate after receiving a complaint. He stated, “I did this, and this was legal.” He believes both available legal routes are valid, but the state opposes his choice.

Attorney Bradley Hertz, representing Bianco, insisted the ballots are essential evidence. Hertz commented, “The sheriff is holding that evidence, safeguarding it as a custodian for the court.” These ballots relate to a redistricting measure, Proposition 50, which passed with over 3.4 million votes, according to the California Secretary of State.

“How strange, that now we have evidence that the machines counted something different than the ballots that we have, and an Attorney General runs in to stop that investigation so that we’ll never know,” Bianco remarked.

The legal dispute intensified when Bonta accused Bianco of violating clear constitutional and governmental protocols. Bonta emphasized, “He can read, he knows what it says, it makes his violations even more egregious.” However, Bianco countered Bonta’s claim, arguing the Attorney General does not have the authority to halt his investigations.

The UCLA Voting Rights Project joined Bonta in his legal challenge to Bianco’s actions. Both sides remain firm in their interpretations of California law regarding the sheriff’s responsibilities and authority.

Further comments are being sought from involved parties, including the UCLA Voting Rights Project and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.