California governor signs election protection bills into law

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed 13 new laws on Saturday to protect elections from outside interference.

Several laws create serious criminal penalties. Taking ballots, voting records, or voting equipment before an election result is confirmed will now be a felony. It will also be a felony for officials to order workers to block mail ballots from reaching election offices.

Police and federal agents cannot enter areas within 200 feet of a polling place on Election Day without good reason. They also cannot access voter records or election technology without a court order.