CAL.Regulation
California makes pre-certification seizure of election materials a felony
California added Elections Code section 18579 (AB 282, Chapter 330, Statutes of 2026) as an urgency statute, creating a felony punishable by 16 months, 2, or 3 years for seizing or assisting in the seizure of ballots, election records, or certified voting technology before results are certified. A person with authority who directs supervised persons to do so faces 2, 3, or 4 years. Approved September 19, 2026, it took effect immediately for the November 3 general election.
Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) →
Key points
- Chapter 330, urgency statute; approved and effective September 19, 2026.California Legislative Information
- Base felony: 16 months or 2 or 3 years for seizing or assisting seizure before certification.California Legislative Information
- A person with authority directing supervised persons to seize faces 2, 3, or 4 years.California Legislative Information
- "Seize" means removal from the custody and control of authorized elections officials.California Legislative Information
- Legislative findings cite concerns about interference with the November 3, 2026 general election.California Legislative Information
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California Legislative Information
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RegulationCal.AB 282 (Pellerin) - Elections: seizure of election materials (2026)CriminalRegulatoryFor practitionersFor governance