California Sheriff Must Return Ballots Seized in 2020 Election Investigation

California's Supreme Court has ordered Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood to return nearly 650,000 ballots his department confiscated during an investigation into the 2020 general election. The unanimous ruling found the sheriff lacked legal authority to seize the ballots from the county election office, characterizing the action as illegal ballot confiscation.

The sheriff's office initiated the investigation in October 2020, following allegations of election fraud. Deputies seized the ballots and other election materials from the Kern County Elections Division. California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a petition against Sheriff Youngblood in August 2023, seeking the return of the ballots. Bonta stated the confiscation created a "legal quandary" for the county as it prepared for subsequent elections.

The court's decision referenced sections of the California Elections Code. One section mandates election officials retain election materials for 22 months after an election. Another section specifies that only the clerk or an authorized deputy may possess election materials for official use. The court concluded the sheriff's deputies did not meet the definition of an authorized deputy and their actions exceeded the scope of permitted law enforcement involvement in election processes.

Sheriff Youngblood had previously defended his department's actions, citing a need to investigate potential election irregularities. He maintained the investigation sought to ensure election integrity. The Attorney General's office indicated it would pursue "legal consequences" for the sheriff following the ruling. Bonta emphasized the importance of upholding election integrity through lawful processes.

The approximately 650,000 ballots represent a significant portion of Kern County's voting records from the 2020 general election. The court's order requires the immediate return of these materials to the county elections officials.