Sheriff's Ballot Recount Sparks Legal Battle in California

It's March 27.

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California's Attorney General and a voting rights group have filed lawsuits to block a

Republican County Sheriff from seizing and recounting more than half a million ballots

from last year's election in Riverside County.

The sheriff, Chad Bianco, who was running for governor started grabbing ballots last month

and took another 426 boxes this week.

From the county election office, he insists the probe is legal, backed by a judge, and

his team is physically counting them under court supervision.

Democrats worry this could erode trust in election statewide, especially with primaries

in the general coming up, and fear it sets a risky example.

For using law enforcement to challenge results, Bianco calls it a straightforward investigation

and accuses opponents of stirring politics.

The judge heard arguments on speeding up the attorney general's case after an earlier

appeal got shot down for the wrong court.

The voting rights group wants the state supreme court to force the ballots back right

away.

Meanwhile, the recount has no set ending, leaving tensions high as both sides dig in for

what could drag on through the election season.