Shasta Voters’ Will Prevails for Now: Judge Denies Rushed Attempt to Sideline Measure B
- Kari Chilson
- 5h
- 2 min read
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 required ordinary briefing timelines.
Measure B was never a fringe idea. It passed with solid majority support because Shasta County residents demanded greater transparency and security—reforms they believe will restore confidence in elections. The voters spoke. That democratic outcome deserves respect.
County Counsel, the only attorney appearing in person, correctly reminded the court that Measure B remains the law until a court rules otherwise. The voters of Shasta County want fair elections. That majority decision still stands.
What’s next
Friday, August 7: The main event. The court will hear Bonta’s motion for a preliminary injunction.
Monday, August 10: The court is expected to formally allow the amicus brief after the Real Parties file their written response under normal rules.
The fight is far from over. From the very beginning, Measure B’s path to the ballot was marked by repeated procedural obstacles: the application was rejected and delayed, County Counsel Larmour refused to prepare a title and summary, then filed an ex parte lawsuit against the proponents that left them with little time or money to hire representation. Later, emergency filings by the opposition piled on still more unnecessary work for the proponents’ attorneys.
Today’s ruling at least stopped one more shortcut. But given the pattern of lawfare that has already been used against the voters’ measure, there is little reason to believe the procedural games will suddenly end. The people of Shasta County still did their job in June. Whether the courts will fully respect that majority decision remains the real test ahead.
