Southern California Elections Officials Prepare for 2026 Midterms

Contingency plans made amid concerns over potential federal interference at voting locations

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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County election officials across Southern California are preparing contingency plans for the 2026 midterm elections, including how to respond if federal law enforcement agents or other officials attempt to interfere with or intimidate voters at polling places. This comes amid recent comments from President Trump and others about 'nationalizing' elections and placing federal monitors at voting locations.

Why it matters

The potential for federal interference in local elections is a growing concern for election officials, who are tasked with ensuring free, fair, and secure voting processes. Any disruptions or intimidation tactics could discourage voter participation and undermine the integrity of the electoral system.

The details

County registrars are working closely with local law enforcement to quickly respond to any incidents at voting locations, including placing vote centers under lockdown if needed. They are also training poll workers on de-escalation tactics and documenting any disruptive activity. Election officials say they are focused on educating voters about their options, such as voting by mail or at any vote center in the county, in case voters feel uncomfortable at a particular location.

  • The 2026 midterm elections will take place in November.
  • Ahead of the November midterms, California will hold primary elections in June.

The players

Dean Logan

Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters, with 20 years of experience in the local elections office.

Bob Page

Orange County Registrar, who works closely with local law enforcement to ensure safe and secure voting locations.

Melissa Eickman

Spokesperson for the San Bernardino County elections office, which trains poll workers to keep voting locations free from interference.

Elizabeth Florer

Spokesperson for the Riverside County registrar's office, which is preparing for a range of operational scenarios to protect the integrity of the voting process.

Rob Bonta

California Attorney General, who announced the state would send its own monitors in response to the federal government's plan to send election monitors to certain California counties.

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What they’re saying

“Those are things that we would view as potentially intimidating voters, discouraging voters from participating in the election. And depending on how those were carried out, probably activities that violate California election laws.”

— Dean Logan, Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters (redlandsdailyfacts.com)

“If law enforcement activity impacts a vote center in this election, we will again keep everyone in the vote center safe and be ready to make further arrangements if a lockdown persists for an extended period of time.”

— Bob Page, Orange County Registrar (redlandsdailyfacts.com)

“Election planning includes preparing for a wide range of operational scenarios while protecting the integrity of the voting process and voter participation.”

— Elizabeth Florer, Spokesperson, Riverside County registrar's office (redlandsdailyfacts.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.