© 2026 NPR Illinois
For your right to be curious.
Donate
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Build a transformational philanthropy program for this trusted NPR affiliate.
Seeking a 100% major gift fundraiser passionate about public media to develop relationships with people who support an informed and civil central Illinois.
Hire will have community visibility, many prospects, and professional resources.
Interviews in progress, open until filled. Apply now.

Are you availabile to be a local fill-in anchor on Morning Edition and/or All Things Considered?
Must be available with notice either weekdays from 5:30 to 9 a.m. and/or 3:30 to 6 p.m.
Apply by June 5, 5 p.m.

Could constitutional sheriffs pose a threat to fair elections?

WBUR | By Here & Now Newsroom
Published May 27, 2026 at 11:07 AM CDT

In California’s Riverside County, Sheriff Chad Bianco is an outspoken President Trump supporter and candidate for governor. In March, Bianco seized around 650,000 election ballots from Riverside County’s registrar of voters. The ballots were already certified in a 2025 California election.

According to reporters Anat Rubin and Jessica Pishko, this marks the first time in U.S. history that a sheriff has taken possession of previously cast ballots.

Here & Now‘s Robin Young speaks with Rubin and Pishko about their joint investigation for CalMatters into the events leading up to Bianco’s unprecedented seizure, and what it could mean for election integrity in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.

This article was originally published on WBUR.org.

Copyright 2026 WBUR
Here & Now Newsroom