The California Court of Appeals for the Third Appellate District has denied a petition to invalidate Shasta County's voter-approved election integrity measure, known as Measure B. The court refused to fast-track the case, instead directing the State to seek relief in the Shasta County Superior Court. This decision marks the third time opponents of Measure B have attempted to stop the measure in court, and the third time they have been unsuccessful.
The State's petition was filed by Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley Weber, who sought to have the measure struck down on an expedited schedule. However, the Court of Appeal declined to exercise its original jurisdiction, citing the need for the case to be heard in the trial court first. This decision is seen as a significant victory for the proponents of Measure B, who argue that the measure is necessary to restore election integrity in Shasta County.
The history of Measure B has been marked by controversy, with opponents attempting to block the measure at various stages. In 2025, Shasta County Counsel sued to keep the measure off the ballot, but ultimately dismissed the case after an ex parte application was denied. A private opponent also sought to block the measure before the June election, but was rejected by the Superior Court. Despite these setbacks, voters approved Measure B by a margin of greater than 55 percent on June 2, 2026.
The Court of Appeal's decision did not address the validity of Measure B, but rather focused on the proper venue for the case. The State may still seek to invalidate the measure, but must now do so through the trial court. The proponents of Measure B, represented by the Lex Rex Institute, have indicated that they are prepared to defend the measure in the trial court, as they have in every previous forum.
The denial of the State's petition was issued without prejudice, allowing the State to return to the Court of Appeal if necessary. The case is ongoing, with the proponents of Measure B remaining committed to defending the voters' decision. The focus now shifts to the trial court, where the State will need to demonstrate why Measure B should be invalidated.
The ongoing legal defense of Measure B is a significant undertaking, with the proponents working to ensure that the voters' decision is respected. The case has important implications for election integrity in Shasta County, and the outcome will be closely watched by voters and officials alike. As the case moves forward, the proponents of Measure B remain confident that the measure will be upheld, and that the voters' decision will be respected.
