SACRAMENTO — California lawmakers on Sunday approved three bills aimed at securing the state’s November midterm elections and increasing transparency in political advertising on social media. The legislation now awaits Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature, joining a growing slate of election-related measures passed as the legislature adjourns this week.
Two bills target ballot security: One would make it a felony to interfere with mail ballots or seize election materials before certification. The other expands existing restrictions on law enforcement’s ability to take ballots without a warrant. A third bill requires paid political posts by social media influencers to include disclosures and for campaigns to report spending on such content.
The bills follow concerns raised by Democratic lawmakers about potential interference in the Nov. 3 election, including claims from President Trump or his supporters. They also address recent controversies involving local election officials and the handling of ballots.
Ballot Security Measures Passed
Assemblymember Gail Pellerin (D-Santa Cruz) authored the felony legislation, which would criminalize the seizure or interference with ballots, election records, or voting machines before certification. The bill comes after Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco ordered deputies to take more than 650,000 ballots from the county elections office in 2022, citing unproven fraud claims. That action was later challenged in court and is currently before the California Supreme Court.
Newsom signed a related bill earlier this year prohibiting local and federal law enforcement agencies from seizing ballots without a warrant. The new bill strengthens those protections by making such actions a felony offense.
Transparency Rules for Political Influencers
Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) introduced the influencer transparency bill, requiring campaigns to disclose payments to social media influencers and mandating that paid posts include clear disclosures. The bill was prompted by instances during the 2026 gubernatorial primary, where influencers were paid by candidates—including Democratic billionaire Tom Steyer—to post endorsements without always revealing their financial ties to the campaigns.
Under the proposed law, campaigns would be required to report funds spent on social media posts, and influencers who fail to disclose payments could face fines. The measure aims to prevent voters from being misled by undisclosed paid political content.
Legislative Timeline and Next Steps
The bills were sent to Newsom’s desk on the final day of the legislature’s two-year session, which adjourns this week. If signed, the laws would take effect before the November election, though enforcement mechanisms would depend on additional regulatory guidance. The legislature has not indicated whether further adjustments will be made before the session concludes.