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California makes seizing ballots or election records a felony before certification

By LexCircuit Desk · · AI-drafted, human-reviewed

Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 282 on September 19 as an urgency statute, in force immediately. New Elections Code section 18579 makes it a felony, punishable by 16 months or two or three years in custody, to seize, cause, or assist the seizure of ballots, election records, or certified voting technology before results are certified. A person with authority who directs subordinates to seize such materials commits a separate felony punishable by two, three, or four years.

Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) → · Governor of California, Washington Examiner, Unbiased Headlines +1

Key points

  • The felony covers ballots, election records, or certified voting technology 'or any portion thereof' seized before certification under Elections Code section 15372.California Legislative Information
  • Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco seized more than 650,000 ballots in March 2026; the California Supreme Court heard the case August 24.CalMatters
  • A person with authority who directs subordinates to seize the materials commits a separate felony punishable by two, three, or four years.California Legislative Information
  • 'Seize' means removal from the custody and control of authorized elections officials; 'election record' covers records subject to post-election preservation requirements.California Legislative Information
  • The urgency clause made the felony provisions effective on September 19, signed in the 13-bill election package.California Legislative InformationGovernor of California

Sources5 articles across 5 outlets

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RegulationCal.AB 282 — Ballot and Election Records Seizure FelonyRegulatoryFor practitionersFor governance