650,000 Ballots Return After Court Rules Sheriff Overstepped

On Thursday, a group of Inland Empire elected officials visited the Riverside County Registrar of Voters office to address public concerns ahead of the upcoming election. The visit followed a recent legal ruling that returned control of a large batch of ballots to county administrators after a dispute with local law enforcement.

U.S. Rep. Norma Torres (D-Calif.) led the tour, emphasizing the need to show the public the operational side of election management. "It is one thing to hear political rhetoric and fear-mongering surrounding our elections. It is another thing to come here, see the process firsthand, and hear directly from the people who do the job every day," Torres said. She added that election administration must remain transparent and accountable to established procedures.

Riverside County Supervisor Karen Spiegel highlighted the resources available to voters, including new equipment, temporary staff, and numerous ballot drop locations. "We've taken every excuse away from our voters," Spiegel said. She encouraged residents to visit the facilities to see the security measures in place. "We want you to vote. Vote by mail. It is safe, and there is integrity in our system," she stated.

Several Democrats present focused on federal actions. U.S. Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) described the current federal involvement as an "attempted federal takeover." He noted that state and local governments administer elections, not the federal government. Takano pointed out that while President Donald Trump claims fraud exists, no indictment has been filed. "If you have charges, then bring an indictment," Takano said.

U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.) criticized both the president and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco. Ruiz argued that Bianco violated election law by seizing ballots during the November 2025 special election. "That's not just my opinion. That's what the California Supreme Court said in a unanimous decision. Chad Bianco, our county's highest law enforcement official, broke the law," Ruiz said.

The California Supreme Court ruled unanimously on Sept. 24 that Bianco's seizure of approximately 650,000 ballots violated state election law. The court ordered the ballots returned to the Registrar of Voters. Bianco completed the return of the ballots and election materials on Sept. 29.

Torres advised voters to contact the local Registrar of Voters if they feel intimidated. She provided a hotline number, 800-345-8683, for reporting complaints to the California secretary of state's office. The office also distributed information on voter rights and how to document incidents involving law enforcement at the polls.