Shasta County officials are confronting a legal breach involving the handling of voted ballots from the November 2024 federal elections. County Attorney Joseph Larmour explained to the Board of Supervisors that Registrar of Voters Clint Curtis has not yet destroyed the ballots, despite a clear state requirement that they be eliminated or recycled 22 months after an election.
State law and the missed deadline
California elections code mandates that voted ballots from federal contests be destroyed or recycled 22 months after the election. Secretary of State Shirley Weber’s April directive confirmed that the deadline for the November 2024 ballots fell on Sept. 5. Larmour said Curtis missed that deadline and has not provided evidence of compliance.
Litigation attempts to stall destruction
Last week, a private individual, Arne List, filed a lawsuit seeking a temporary restraining order to prevent Curtis from shredding the ballots. List, who describes himself online as a public‑integrity and election‑transparency advocate, also expressed support for both Curtis and Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco. The court denied the restraining order this morning, meaning the ballots must be destroyed without further delay.
County attorney’s response
“Every day past the 22 months that those documents exist is a violation of law,” Larmour told supervisors. He added that state officials are “heavily involved” and that representatives from the Secretary of State’s Office are currently in Shasta County. Federal officials are also present, though Larmour did not specify their role.
Potential legal exposure for the county
Supervisors Matt Plummer and Allen Long voiced concern that continued non‑compliance could expose the county to civil or criminal liability. They suggested placing a motion on the next board agenda to seek court enforcement compelling Curtis to destroy the ballots. Board Chair Chris Kelstrom cautioned against further board involvement, stating the dispute is between the registrar, the Secretary of State, and the courts.
Registrar’s position
Curtis has not responded to requests for comment on whether the ballots have been destroyed. He previously claimed irregularities in both the November 2024 election—administered by his predecessor—and the June 2026 election he oversaw. Curtis also received a subpoena to testify before a federal grand jury and to produce tens of thousands of voted ballots from the June 2026 election, which he said he is storing in a locked room at the Market Street elections office.
Next steps
The board voted to allow Larmour to continue representing the county in the upcoming hearing scheduled for Sept. 17. Larmour indicated the hearing will likely be a formality, given the restraining order has already been denied. He emphasized that a private filing does not constitute a lawful reason to retain documents beyond the statutory period.
County officials will monitor Curtis’s actions closely. If the ballots remain unshredded, the board may pursue further legal measures to ensure compliance with state law and protect Shasta County from potential liability.
Original reporting: Shasta Scout (Redding) — read the source article.
