Friends of Sheriff Chad Bianco: Amicus Brief Filed in CA Supreme Court
Updated: Sep 2
After years of work with the Registrar of Voters, ROV, and multiple audits, our group developed an accurate procedure to conduct election audits using the Registrar of Voters’ (ROV) own records. These records, collected during elections and obtained through public records requests, allowed us to verify if the number of ballots cast equaled the number of ballots counted the voting system. This process, which follows California Election 15302 (d), creates a certifiable number at the end of an election, ensuring transparency and accuracy.
Our work uncovered a troubling discrepancy in the November 2025 Prop 50 special election: there were 45,896 more votes than voters. This alarming finding prompted Sheriff Chad Bianco to open an investigation. With court orders in hand, Sheriff Bianco seized the ballots to conduct a paper count. By simply counting the number of ballots, the audit result could be validated or invalidated, providing the evidence needed to assure voters the election results were accurate. However, the Attorney General challenged the Sheriff’s authority to investigate elections and appealed to the California Supreme Court, effectively halting the investigation.
Thanks to the support of many honorable individuals who believed in our mission, we were able to hire Alex Haberbush, an associate of constitutional attorney John Eastman, to write and submit an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in support of Sheriff Bianco’s right to investigate.
An amicus brief is a legal document submitted to a court by someone who is not a party to the case but has a strong interest in the outcome. It provides additional information, perspectives, or arguments that may assist the court in making its decision. Our goal was to provide insights and facts not known to the court, based on our work with the county, to ensure a just outcome. The actual amicus brief is publicly available for review HERE:
The Importance of Election Audits
Election audits are essential to maintain public trust in the democratic process. Our method relies on comparing the number of voters casting a ballot with the number of votes (ballots) counted by the voting system. This comparison uses official records collected during the election, ensuring the audit is based on verifiable data. The goal of the audit was to determine if the ROV had California Election Code 15302 (d).
The Prop 50 special election revealed a significant mismatch: 45,896 more votes than voters. This kind of discrepancy raises serious questions about the integrity of the election results. Without audits like ours, such issues would likely go unnoticed, undermining confidence in the system.
Sheriff Bianco’s Investigation and Legal Challenges
Sheriff Chad Bianco took swift action after the audit results came to light. He obtained court orders to seize the ballots and prepared to conduct a manual count of the paper ballots when the AG's actions halted the investigation.
This step was crucial to verify the accuracy of the machine counts and address the discrepancy.
However, the Attorney General challenged Sheriff Bianco’s authority to investigate election matters. The case was escalated to the California Supreme Court, and oral arguments were heard Aug 24th. We are now awaiting a decision.
The Role of the Amicus Brief
The brief argues a number of key facts important to the court. It describes the ballot reconciliation process required by law and how the Prop 50 reconciliation failed to reconcile. It describes the use of objective evidence, i.e. the ROV’s own records and how they demonstrate the irregularity of 45,896 more ballots counted than cast.
It highlights a pattern of unresolved election irregularities. Finally, it states a full manual count of ballots is required to validate or invalidate the ROV / audit results
Why This Matters to Everyone
Election integrity affects every voter and every citizen. When discrepancies like the one found in the Prop 50 election occur, it is essential that they are thoroughly investigated. Allowing investigations to be shut down without resolution risks eroding public trust in elections and democracy itself. What is the AG trying to hide?
Sheriff Bianco’s efforts represent a commitment to uncovering the truth and ensuring that every vote counts as it should. Supporting his right to investigate sends a message that election irregularities will not be ignored.
What You Can Do
Get informed about the election audits and other work done by this group and others.
Encourage your local officials to prioritize election integrity.
Follow updates on the Supreme Court case and the amicus brief supporting Sheriff Bianco.
Consider financial support for the legal work being done.
Our mission continues, and with the support of citizens who care about fair elections, we can help ensure that every vote is counted accurately.
The filing of the amicus brief in the California Supreme Court marks a critical moment in the fight for election transparency. Sheriff Bianco’s investigation, backed by clear evidence and legal support, challenges the barriers that prevent accountability. The outcome of this case will shape how election discrepancies are handled in the future. We invite you to stay engaged and support efforts that protect the foundation of our democracy.
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