Unofficial #BallotBoxes are popping up around California in churches, political party offices and even a gun store. Some are mislabeled as “official.” The state says that is illegal. The California Republican Party has declared they are behind the boxes. Here’s #whyitmatters

Over the weekend, the California GOP dropped unofficial boxes off at locations in LA, OC and Fresno Counties. Tonight, we’re also learning from Ventura Co election officials they discovered boxes in their county.

CA state officials say that is illegal. https://abc7.com/politics/california-officials-say-unofficial-ballot-boxes-are-illegal/6970956/

In LA Co, Grace Baptist Church in Santa Clarita had this box outside their church for five days per the pastor. The Pastor tells Eyewitness News, the CA Republican Party asked if they could leave a box at their church and they agreed. But they've since removed the box.

Also in LA County, Freedom’s Way Baptist Church in Castaic reportedly has a box inside their church. A live-stream from the church’s Sunday service shows Pastor Jerry Cook saying, “we have no problem with that ballot box here.” It’s unclear if the box is still there.

In Orange County, Registrar of Voters Neal Kelley said they received reports of unofficial ballot boxes being placed around the county. Kelley & the District Attorney’s Office would not reveal the locations of those boxes. Kelley said they had only been in place for one day.

Ventura County officials sent out a press release tonight saying they’ve had reports of unofficial boxes in their county as well. They did not reveal the locations of the boxes. But they sent us these photos to show voters what OFFICIAL BALLOT BOXES look like.

In Fresno County, the local GOP group posted a list of places online, where voters could drop off their ballots in boxes like the one below. The list has since been taken down and a rep from the local party says they’re removing all the boxes.

A spokesperson for the California Republican Party said placing the boxes around the state is no different than #BallotHarvesting, which is legal in the state of California. Here’s their statement.

But California officials say #BallotHarvesting is different.
It's when a voter authorizes another person to takes their ballot to a collection site for them. It’s used in cases where voters lack transportation, are elderly or disabled or are in the hospital, etc... (cont.)

The third party MUST sign the ballot as a witness.

Because the unofficial ballot boxes are unmanned, the state says it’s not the same as ballot harvesting.

Today, CA Secretary of State Alex Padilla revealed they’ve sent a cease and desist order to the individuals responsible for putting out the boxes. They have until 10/15 (this Thursday) to comply or else they face legal action.

CA Attorney General Xavier Becerra says those who choose to leave boxes out, knowing it is against state law, are at risk of criminal or civil charges.

TL; DR

The CA Republican Party put out unofficial ballot boxes in four different CA counties. State officials say that’s illegal and sent out cease and desist orders. If CA GOP doesn’t comply and remove boxes by Thursday, the state will take legal action.

It’s recommended that you track your ballot. You can do so here https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/