PRESS RELEASE

PR26-33
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2026
Contact: sospress@sos.ca.gov 

California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., Sets the Record Straight about Accusations of Election Irregularities and Investigation Interference in Riverside County
 

Sacramento, Calif. – California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., issued the following statement to set the record straight regarding the Riverside County Sheriff’s accusations that the Office of the California Secretary of State has tried to interfere with their “investigation” of election irregularities in Riverside County:

“The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has taken actions based on allegations that lack credible evidence and risk undermining public confidence in our elections. 

The Sheriff's assertion that his deputies know how to count is admirable. The fact remains that he and his deputies are not elections officials and they do not have expertise in election administration. Investigations into election processes must be conducted by those with the appropriate legal authority and subject matter expertise. Similar claims raised in other states by individuals without election administration experience have been thoroughly reviewed and debunked.

My office has been reviewing the allegations and, have thus far, found them to be unsubstantiated. My office has not engaged in any “outrage” or "intimidation” to prevent a lawful investigation. Any such claim is false. If these or other allegations are being made, they should be supported with clear and verifiable evidence. 

It is essential that public officials act responsibly and refrain from promoting unverified and already-rebutted claims that can erode trust in our democratic institutions. California’s elections are administered by dedicated professionals who are committed to accuracy, transparency, and accountability.  

My office remains fully confident in the administration of the November 2025 Statewide Special Election. California’s elections have consistently been, and will continue to be, safe, secure, and fair.”

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