Elections: law enforcement investigations of election records or voting technology

The law gives California’s top elections and legal officials an immediate opportunity to respond to searches, seizures, subpoenas, or investigations involving locally held election materials.

What the law does ​

• Requires local agencies, political subdivisions, and elections officials to notify the Secretary of State and Attorney General immediately, and no later than one calendar day, after learning of a relevant warrant, subpoena, or active law-enforcement investigation.
• Covers election records and certified voting technology under their custody or control, including searches, seizures, and retention.
• Allows the Secretary of State or Attorney General to intervene in related court cases or start court proceedings to challenge a warrant or subpoena or seek other appropriate relief.
• Gives court actions under the law calendar preference.
• Applies statewide, including to charter cities and charter counties, takes effect immediately, and expires January 1, 2030.

Who it affects ​

• Local agencies, political subdivisions, and elections officials holding election records or certified voting technology.
• The Secretary of State and Attorney General, who may act in court after receiving notice.
• Law-enforcement agencies investigating or seeking access to covered election materials.

Context ​

The state may reimburse eligible local costs if the Commission on State Mandates finds that the law imposes reimbursable state-mandated costs.