Per state and federal statute, ballot materials from the November 5, 2024, General Election were required to be destroyed on September 5, 2026, or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter.
Shasta County election materials subject to this requirement remain unprocessed following two scheduled destruction attempts by a local shredding service, first on September 11, 2026, and then again on September 30, 2026.
Under Title 52, Subtitle II – Voting Assistance and Election Administration, Section 20701 of the United States Code and California Elections Code 17301, these materials must be preserved for 22 months and then lawfully destroyed.
Shasta County Clerk/Registrar of Voters, Clint Curtis, is currently in violation of these statutes despite repeated recommendations to comply. The only lawful exception permitting continued retention of these materials is a court order, which has not been issued.
The County remains steadfast in its expectation that all department heads comply with federal and state law, uphold their constitutional duties, and maintain the highest standards of ethical conduct in public service.
Mr. Curtis’ refusal to fulfill his statutory responsibilities as an appointed official in an elected position is solely his decision and is not supported or condoned by the County of Shasta.
Stewart Buettell
Deputy CEO, Privacy Officer, HPOC
County of Shasta
