Local & Community
California Supreme Court Halts Riverside County Election Investigation, Case Moves Forward
A major development in an ongoing election dispute is unfolding at the state level.
The California Supreme Court has stepped in, approving a petition for review filed by Attorney General Rob Bonta and ordering a stay on an investigation led by Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.
The case began in March, when Sheriff Bianco seized thousands of ballots tied to the 2025 special election, citing claims of voter count irregularities.
Attorney General Bonta quickly challenged the move, filing cases at both the county and state levels, arguing the investigation lacked legal merit.
In its latest action, the California Supreme Court has paused the investigation while it considers the case. Bonta now has until April 15t to formally present his arguments, while Bianco will have 30 days to respond.
In a statement, Bonta called the court’s decision a necessary step to stop what he described as “destabilizing actions,” adding that the review is appropriate given the unprecedented nature of the situation.
Meanwhile, proceedings are also moving forward locally. A Riverside County Superior Court judge has approved an expedited timeline for the county-level case, with the next hearing set for April 13th at the Riverside Hall of Justice.
NBC Palm Springs has reached out to Sheriff Bianco’s legal team for comment and is awaiting a response.
By: NBC Palm Springs
April 8, 2026
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