FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ/KFSN) — Fresno County is being sued by California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Dr. Shirley N. Weber over Measure A.
The ballot measure, which was approved by nearly 55 percent voters during the March 5th election, meant elections for District Attorney and Sheriff will take place during the gubernatorial election cycle instead of moving them to the presidential election cycle
A 2022 California law required charter counties, that did not specify when said elections would be held prior to January 2021, to move them to the presidential cycle. Presidential elections typically have the highest voter turnout.
The lawsuit was announced in a news release from Fresno City Attorney Andrew Janz.
“Our democracy works best when everyone can participate and make their voices heard. Fresno’s Measure A unlawfully conflicts with California law and has the potential to suppress voter turnout,” said Bonta in the statement.
Bonta said that he is asking for the court to block Measure A.
“The broadest participation by the electorate is essential for local elected offices, like sheriffs and district attorneys, because these positions have a direct impact on public safety,” Dr. Weber said in the statement.
Listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern.
Fresno County responded in an email Friday. SEE BELOW
Listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern.
