Local & Community
Riverside Election Investigation Hearing Delayed as Legal Fight Between Bonta and Bianco Intensifies
A high-stakes legal battle over Riverside County’s election investigation took another turn Friday after a key court hearing was unexpectedly delayed.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta had filed an emergency request to immediately halt the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department from seizing and counting ballots tied to the November 2025 special election.
However, the ex parte hearing at the Riverside Hall of Justice did not proceed as planned. Bonta’s legal team says they called in as instructed but were left on hold and never brought before the judge, who ultimately removed the matter from the calendar. The hearing has now been rescheduled for Monday, March 30.
The dispute centers around an investigation led by Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco into an alleged 45,000-ballot discrepancy. Election officials have said the difference is due to a misunderstanding of the counting process, not fraud.
Following the hearing, critics of the investigation gathered outside the Registrar of Voters office, arguing the sheriff’s actions could undermine trust in the election system. Riverside County Supervisor Jose Medina stated that the sheriff has no role in overseeing elections, while local leader Oscar Ortiz announced legal action aimed at returning the ballots to election officials.
Despite mounting opposition, the Sheriff’s Department says it will continue its investigation, calling it a lawful effort to determine the facts.
A separate court hearing tied to the broader legal dispute is scheduled for May 27, as the clash between state and local authority continues to escalate.
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By: NBC Palm Springs
March 27, 2026
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