Shasta County voters approved Measure B in the June primary with roughly 56% support, but the measure’s sweeping changes to local election procedures remain on hold. A Shasta County judge suspended the law last month pending a full legal review, and an appellate court this week denied the proponents’ request to unfreeze the suspension.
Legal backdrop and timing challenges
The suspended law would have required new voter‑ID provisions, hand‑counted ballots at precincts, and other changes that state and federal officials have flagged as potentially illegal. While the appeal continues, the county must proceed with the November election under existing state election statutes.
Shasta Registrar of Voters Clint Curtis explained that ballot printing for the November election is already underway. “Restarting the printing process at this stage would cost the county about $100,000,” Curtis said by text, noting that the county is contracted with Hart InterCivic and Runbeck Election Services to produce the ballots. Even if a court were to lift the suspension weeks before the election, the logistical hurdles – including hiring enough staff to hand‑count ballots – would be “very, very hard” to overcome.
Proponents’ response
Attorney Alexander Haberbush, representing the Measure B supporters, said the appeal remains pending and emphasized the voters’ right to see the measure receive a full judicial review. “The voters of Shasta County made their decision on June 2,” he wrote, adding that the legal process must run its course.
The California Attorney General’s Office and the Secretary of State issued a joint statement after the appellate ruling, confirming that Measure B will remain inactive while the case proceeds and directing the county to conduct elections according to current state law.
What this means for local voters
With the suspension in place, Shasta County will use the existing ballot format and voting procedures for the November election. Voters can expect the same polling locations, ballot designs, and counting methods that have been used in recent elections. The county’s focus now is on ensuring a smooth, cost‑effective election rather than navigating the costly and time‑consuming changes proposed by Measure B.
Community leaders and parents have expressed relief that the county can avoid the potential chaos of a sudden shift to hand‑counted ballots. “It’s better to stick with a proven system than to scramble at the last minute,” said a local civic group spokesperson.
Looking ahead
The full appeal of the judge’s suspension order has not yet been decided, and a final ruling could still come after the November election. If the courts ultimately find Measure B lawful, Shasta County officials will need to plan for its implementation in future election cycles, taking into account the staffing and cost implications highlighted by Registrar Curtis.
For now, the county’s priority remains delivering a reliable, affordable election for all Shasta residents, adhering to state law while the legal process runs its course.
Original reporting: Shasta Scout (Redding) — read the source article.
