Breaking: California sues Shasta County over Measure B

Key Points:

• California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley Weber have filed a lawsuit in the Third District Court of Appeal challenging Measure B, a Shasta County ballot initiative that seeks to overhaul local election procedures.
• Measure B, approved by 56% of voters, would require voter ID, eliminate most mail-in voting, enforce a one-day election, disconnect county voter rolls from state oversight, and mandate hand counting of ballots, but the state argues it is unlawful under California law.
• The lawsuit contends that despite Shasta County's charter status, the county lacks authority to alter election regulations that conflict with statewide election laws and that Measure B exceeds the county’s jurisdiction.
• Previous legal challenges to Measure B have been unsuccessful or withdrawn, but the state’s lawsuit represents the most significant legal opposition to date, with the Shasta County Board of Supervisors set to discuss the matter in closed session.
• Measure B proponents anticipated legal action and remain committed to defending the measure, while critics warn of costly litigation diverting resources from community needs.