California Governor Signs Bill Banning Hand Counting of Ballots in Most Elections

The bill ‘ensures that no California voter will be disenfranchised by the actions and decisions of ill-informed political actors,’ its sponsor said.

Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks to reporters at AltaMed Urgent Care in Santa Ana, Calif., on March 25, 2021. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation on Oct. 4 that bans hand counts in nearly all elections in California, drawing opposition from at least one county.

Mr. Newsom, a Democrat, signed Assembly Bill 969, authored by Assemblywoman Gail Pellerin, also a Democrat. The bill took effect immediately.