In a decisive written ruling issued today, Shasta County Superior Court Judge Benjamin L. Hanna dismissed Jennifer Katske’s petition seeking to block the “Shasta County Voter ID, Hand-Counted Ballots, and Absentee Voting Limits Initiative” from the June 2, 2026, ballot. The court sustained a demurrer filed by the measure’s proponents (Intervenors), finding that Katske’s First Amended Verified Petition for Writ of Mandate failed to state facts sufficient to constitute a cause

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.

Plaintiff Jane Doe (pro se, via phone) sought a TRO to block the Voter ID/hand-count/absentee-limits initiative (Measure B) from the June 2 ballot, arguing preemption by state Elections Code (citing Huntington Beach precedent). The judge partially denied anonymity (ordered name disclosure in 5 days but protected address/phone/employment). He declined to allow late-filed intervenor attorney Alexander Haberbush to participate today, deferring that issue. County Counsel stated n