California Accelerates Bills to Criminalize Election Interference

California Democratic legislators are rapidly advancing two measures—Assembly Bill 282 and Senate Bill 259—that would create criminal penalties for anyone who interferes with local elections or the delivery of mailed ballots. The bills are being moved through the legislative process on an expedited schedule in anticipation of the upcoming midterm elections.

Bloomberg Government

The new proposals build on a law Governor Gavin Newsom signed in May, which prohibits law-enforcement officers from seizing cast ballots from election officials without a warrant. That statute was intended to safeguard the integrity of ballot handling and to limit the scope of any potential external meddling.

Bloomberg Government

Governor Newsom emphasized the state’s stance on election security, stating: “If you interfere with our voters, tamper with our ballots, or meddle in our elections, you will be prosecuted,” — Gov. Gavin Newsom

Bloomberg Government

By defining interference as a criminal offense, the legislation seeks to deter both domestic and foreign actors from attempting to influence California’s electoral processes. Lawmakers argue that the measures will close gaps that could be exploited to disrupt the mailing and counting of ballots, thereby reinforcing public confidence ahead of the midterms.

Bloomberg Government

• “If you interfere with our voters, tamper with our ballots, or meddle in our elections, you will be prosecuted.” — Gov. Gavin Newsom

Bloomberg Government