Outside civil-rights groups asked the court to fast-track their request for leave to file an amicus brief in support of Attorney General Rob Bonta’s challenge to the voter-approved election reforms. Real Parties in Interest—the local citizens behind Measure B—opposed the shortcut, insisting they deserved normal notice and a chance to respond in writing. Judge Hanna agreed. He denied the ex parte application, kept the motion on the regular calendar for Monday, August 10, and r

Shasta County voters took a clear stand for electoral integrity in the June 2, 2026, primary election, approving Measure B with an unofficial majority of approximately 55%. The citizen-initiated charter amendment would bring greater transparency and security to local elections by requiring government-issued photo ID, single-day in-person voting with limited absentee exceptions, precinct-level hand counting, and locally controlled voter rolls maintained on a secure, air-gapped

The panel stated that during the March 2024 election, Shasta County experienced over 20 different time changes many of which occurred in 60-second increments and many occurred in the middle of the night (which indicates possible remote access.) In this same election, a thumb drive containing 100 votes disappeared and did not make it into the Cast Vote Record data, in a race that was decided by just 14 votes

In a packed courtroom, Shasta County Superior Court Judge Benjamin Hanna heard arguments from petitioner Jennifer Katske, who is representing herself in pro per. Katske seeks a writ of mandate to prevent Measure B—a 14-point election integrity initiative—from appearing on the June 2, 2026, ballot. The judge stated that he would issue a written ruling by March 27, 2026.

After hearing arguments from Attorney Haberbush and Petitioner Katzke, and reviewing briefs and a declaration from the ROV detailing the ballot printing timeline, Judge Hanna modified the TRO. The modified order now permits the County and ROV to continue preparations to place Measure B (the Election Integrity Initiative) on the ballot. Additionally, the judge advanced the hearing on the merits of the petition to Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 8:30 a.m.