California Gov Newsom signs law banning ballot seizures

Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation Wednesday that immediately criminalizes unauthorized interference in California elections, specifically prohibiting law enforcement from seizing ballots or accessing voting technology without a court order. The law was enacted days before the state's primary election.

The legislation, Senate Bill 73, makes it illegal for any person, including federal agents, to take voted ballots from the custody of a local election official. It also prohibits county registrars from surrendering ballots or voting equipment to law enforcement and restricts officers from disrupting election workers except in public safety emergencies. Another provision bans election observers from challenging voter signatures.

Governor Newsom stated the law clarifies the rules of engagement and serves as a warning, saying he expected the administration of President Donald Trump to attempt to meddle in the midterm elections. He cited a pattern of federal actions, including federal agents seizing ballots in Georgia's most populous county after the 2020 election and the Justice Department sending observers to California for a special election last fall.