California Orders GOP To Remove Unofficial Ballot Boxes

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – California’s chief elections officer has ordered Republicans to remove unofficial ballot drop boxes set up in at least four counties. Secretary of State Alex Padilla said Monday the boxes are illegal. But Republicans refused to remove them. They said they were just taking advantage of California’s liberal ballot collection law that allows anyone to collect ballots from voters and deliver them to county election offices. Padilla’s office sent Republicans a cease and desist letter ordering them to remove the drop boxes by Thursday. Attorney General Xavier Becerra threatened to prosecute anyone trying to improperly solicit ballots. The boxes have been reported in Los Angeles, Orange, Fresno and Ventura counties.