Attorney General Bonta, Secretary of State Weber Secure Court Ruling Invalidating Fresno County’s Unlawful Voter Law, Measure A

OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta and California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. today issued a statement following the California Superior Court’s decision invalidating Measure A, which attempted to amend Fresno County’s charter to move elections for district attorney and sheriff away from the presidential cycle to the gubernatorial cycle. Attorney General Bonta and Secretary of State Weber filed a lawsuit challenging Measure A last year, arguing that Measure A is preempted by a state law that explicitly requires counties to hold these elections during the presidential election cycle, which traditionally has higher turnout. In its decision, the Superior Court permanently blocks Fresno County from enforcing Measure A, finding that the measure violates California’s election law.

“There is nothing more fundamental to American democracy than the right to vote and make your voice heard,” said Attorney General Bonta. “With Measure A, Fresno County threatened to undermine that fundamental right, intentionally seeking to move elections for sheriff and district attorney to off years when voters are far less likely to show up and cast a ballot. Our democracy works best when everyone can participate. I’m proud to have worked with Secretary of State Weber to have permanently blocked this unlawful measure.”

“Our democracy works best when more citizens can participate in our elections,” said Secretary of State Weber. “Today's ruling helps ensure more voices are heard through the ballot box in Fresno County's elections for district attorney and sheriff.”

A copy of the court’s order is available here.