California Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 73 on May 27, 2026, restricting law enforcement seizure of ballots and election systems. The law was prompted by Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco's seizure of 650,000 ballots.
- SB 73 bars unauthorized police access to voter rolls, voting machinery, and ballot storage areas without a court order or active investigation. - Violators face up to three years in prison and a $1,000 fine for knowingly taking voted ballots from election officials.
- The law requires the California Department of Justice to issue guidance to county election officials on handling law enforcement requests. - Sheriff Bianco, a gubernatorial candidate, seized ballots despite state Supreme Court and Attorney General orders to stop.
The legislation aims to protect election workers and infrastructure from political pressure and unauthorized police actions, reinforcing California's voting framework.