"California will not allow our elections to be commandeered by political intimidation, abuse of power, or chaotic interference from extremists chasing conspiracy theories. This law protects voters, election workers, and the integrity of the democratic process from election-deniers who want to undermine democracy.”

 

This afternoon,  California Governor Gavin Newsom joined by members of the California Legislature announced new efforts "to safeguard California’s elections from potential interference as threats from federal officials grow."

At 3:42 p.m. Newsom's press office issued a press release. Here are some key details.

"California will not allow our elections to be commandeered by political intimidation, abuse of power, or chaotic interference from extremists chasing conspiracy theories. This law protects voters, election workers, and the integrity of the democratic process from election-deniers who want to undermine democracy.”

"Governor Gavin Newsom today signed Senate Bill 73 (Cervantes and Umberg), legislation strengthening California’s existing election safeguards in response to growing threats of election interference and intimidation, including efforts by allies of President Donald Trump to undermine confidence in elections and disrupt lawful election administration."

Senate Bill 73:

• Prohibiting any person from providing unauthorized access, disruption, modification, or seizure of voter rolls, voter lists, or certified voting technology to law enforcement agents — including federal agents — absent a court order or investigation into specific violations of California election law.
• Restricting peace officers from interfering with election administration or disrupting election workers carrying out their duties, except in urgent public safety emergencies.
• Requiring the California Department of Justice to issue guidance to county election officials on how to respond to requests from law enforcement seeking access to areas where ballots are cast, processed, or handled.
• Increasing protections against illegal removal or seizure of voted ballots and establishing criminal penalties for knowingly taking ballots from election officials.

The legislation also makes it a crime — punishable by a $1,000 fine, imprisonment for up to three years, or by both — for a person to knowingly take a package containing voted ballots from the custody of elections officials.