Skip to content

California sheriff seizes over 650,000 election ballots

politicsMar 23, 2026489

Chad Bianco, a Republican sheriff and candidate for governor, seized more than 650,000 ballots from the 2025 Proposition 50 election. Bianco says he is investigating irregularities, but county election officials and prosecutors say there is no evidence ballots were cast unlawfully. The seizure has drawn bipartisan criticism and prompted legal questions about custody, proper authority, and potential election interference. The action could disrupt certification, deepen distrust in elections, and become a central issue in Bianco's gubernatorial campaign.

Key Highlights

Sheriff Chad Bianco seized more than 650,000 ballots from Prop 50.
Election officials and prosecutors say no evidence supports unlawful voting.
Seizure raises legal questions about chain of custody and election interference.