Shasta County Faces Electoral Tensions and Leadership Shifts Amid National Voting Debate
Shasta County, California, finds itself at the heart of a brewing storm over election integrity and local governance, mirroring a contentious national debate. On March 26, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order mandating proof of citizenship for voting in federal elections and requiring ballots to be received by Election Day, threatening to withhold federal funding from non-compliant states. Critics swiftly denounced the move as an overreach of presidential authority, pointing to the Constitution’s delegation of election oversight to states under Article I, Section 4. The Supreme Court has already intervened, blocking the order amid concerns for states reliant on mail-in voting, setting the stage for legal battles that could reshape federal-state power dynamics. Oregon officials and others are gearing up to defend their voting systems against the mandate.
Shasta County’s Controversial Ballot Measure Sparks Local Debate
Locally, Shasta County is wrestling with its own electoral controversy. On March 24, the Shasta County Supervisors unanimously pushed forward a ballot measure mandating hand-counted ballots on election night and voter ID requirements—rules that directly conflict with California’s election code. The board also abandoned a related lawsuit against the state, directing County Counsel Joseph Larmour to prepare the measure’s title and summary for the ballot. Board Chair Kevin Crye defended the decision as a stand for constitutional principles, but legal experts warn it’s unenforceable under state law. The move has deepened tensions over local control, leaving the measure’s fate uncertain as it heads toward a contentious vote.
Leadership Transition Looms as County Seeks New Registrar
Amid these electoral disputes, Shasta County is grappling with a leadership vacuum. Due to health concerns, the County is accelerating the search for a new County Clerk and Registrar of Voters following Tom Toller’s resignation, effective April 29, 2025. Toller, who succeeded Cathy Darling Allen in June 2024 after her health-related exit, faced challenges, including a lawsuit over the November 2024 election. On March 27, the Board of Supervisors opted for a rapid recruitment process, bypassing Assistant Registrar Joanna Francescut—despite her 16 years of experience and strong community backing—to ensure stability ahead of the 2026 Gubernatorial Primary. Applications will be reviewed in the coming weeks.
Victory Over Fountain Wind Project Signals Local Strength
While election chaos dominates headlines, Shasta County notched a rare victory elsewhere. On March 25, the California Energy Commission recommended denying the Fountain Wind project, a controversial proposal for 48 wind turbines that sparked lawsuits and community opposition over environmental and local law conflicts. The decision, now in a 60-day public comment period, is a win for local control amid broader turmoil.
Officer-Involved Shooting Rocks Redding
Beyond electoral and environmental news, the county has seen other significant developments. On March 26, a police shooting unfolded in Redding after officers encountered a wanted suspect near Hawaiian BBQ in the Safeway parking lot off Cypress Avenue. The Redding Police Department responded around 4 p.m., and the ensuing confrontation left the suspect hospitalized with injuries. No officers were harmed, and two crime scenes remain under investigation. Lieutenant Schmidt assured the public there’s no ongoing threat, with further details pending.
Life Sentence Looms for Murderer of Homeless Man
In the courts, a grim chapter closed as 22-year-old Redding resident Alejandro Armstrong faces a life sentence without parole plus 25 years for the October 2021 murder of Karl Lee Bernardo, a 50-year-old homeless man. Armstrong pleaded no contest to shooting Bernardo as he slept in a tent, admitting to murder by lying in wait and firearm use causing death. The sentencing, set to follow his July 11 court appearance, underscores ongoing concerns about violence against the homeless in Shasta County.
As Shasta County navigates these turbulent times, residents can stay informed via Shasta Lake Town Hall on Facebook, @TownHallNews on X, and MountainTopMedia.com. From election battles to leadership transitions, the stakes remain high in this North State community.
