FBI Investigating June 2026 Election in Shasta County

Federal scrutiny has intensified in Shasta County as the FBI is now examining concerns raised about the county’s June 2026 election — a rare and politically charged development in a state that recently moved to restrict law‑enforcement involvement in elections.

Authorities have not publicly confirmed the scope of the inquiry, but records and statements from county officials show that Shasta’s Registrar of Voters, Clint Curtis, requested federal intervention after claiming that a significant number of ballots “did not feel or look right.” ¹

Shasta County Elections Department.

A Local Election Official Sounds the Alarm

Curtis — who certified the June election results, including the race he personally lost — told a gubernatorial candidate in emails that he believed Shasta County ballots contained irregularities serious enough to warrant outside authentication, potentially by the FBI. He cited testimonials from election staffers and activists alleging that some ballots appeared to be printer-made copies or otherwise suspicious. However, these accounts offered no physical evidence, and nearly all the individuals providing testimonials were donors to Curtis’s campaign. ¹

Curtis wrote that information about the “suspect ballots” had already been submitted to federal agencies, though he acknowledged that no tests had been conducted. He also said he was exploring alternative third‑party reviewers if the FBI declined involvement. ¹

The claims have been amplified by gubernatorial candidate Raji Rab, who contacted state officials expressing concern about the authenticity of Shasta’s ballots.

A Possible Violation of California’s New Election‑Protection Law

The request for federal intervention comes at a sensitive moment. Earlier this year, California enacted an emergency law prohibiting law‑enforcement agencies from interfering with elections, a direct response to rising concerns about politically motivated ballot investigations. Curtis’s outreach to federal authorities — and the possibility of FBI involvement — may conflict with that law, raising questions about whether the county’s top election official acted outside his authority. ¹

Curtis has declined to answer questions from reporters, citing “ongoing investigations.” ¹

Political Amplification and Rising Tensions

The claims have been amplified by gubernatorial candidate Raji Rab, who contacted state officials expressing concern about the authenticity of Shasta’s ballots. Rab is simultaneously seeking a recount of votes cast for his campaign, adding political weight to Curtis’s allegations. ¹

The controversy lands amid broader turmoil in Shasta County’s elections office. Curtis is already the subject of multiple investigations into his conduct, including allegations of managerial misconduct, misuse of county resources, retaliation against staff, and inappropriate or threatening comments. A 170‑page external investigation released in May documented several sustained findings against him, while a second, more serious internal report remains pending. Curtis has denied wrongdoing and threatened to sue the county. ²

What the FBI Is Likely Examining

While the FBI has not publicly commented, the inquiry appears to center on:

• Curtis’s claims of ballot irregularities

• The authenticity of ballots used in the June primary

• Whether any federal election‑related crimes occurred

• Whether Curtis’s actions violated state election‑protection laws

Federal investigators may also be reviewing whether Curtis’s allegations were made in good faith or whether they were politically motivated, especially given his ongoing disputes with county staff and his own campaign for office.

A Community Caught in the Crossfire

Shasta County has become a flashpoint in California’s broader battles over election integrity, misinformation, and the role of law enforcement in ballot oversight. The FBI’s involvement — even if limited — underscores the seriousness of the claims and the potential consequences for election officials who pursue unconventional or unauthorized investigations.

For now, the county awaits clarity. State officials have not announced any parallel action, and Curtis continues to insist that outside review is necessary. But with federal agents now examining the matter, Shasta County’s election system faces its most significant test in years — one that could reshape public trust and the future of local election administration.

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References (2)

¹ Shasta ROV Curtis says he has requested federal intervention, claiming a lot of June election ballots ‘did not feel or look right’ – Shasta Scout. https://shastascout.org/shasta-rov-curtis-says-he-has-requested-federal-intervention-claiming-a-lot-of-june-election-ballots-did-not-feel-or-look-right/

² County releases first investigation report documenting sustained findings against election official Clint Curtis – Shasta Scout. https://shastascout.org/county-releases-first-investigation-report-documenting-sustained-findings-against-election-official-clint-curtis/