• Clint Curtis, an election skeptic, was appointed as the county clerk and registrar of voters in Shasta County, California.
• The appointment has raised concerns due to Curtis's lack of experience in election administration and his history of promoting unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud.
• The decision highlights the deep foothold election fears and conspiracy theories have in Shasta County, a conservative region with a history of political turmoil related to elections.

Clint Curtis, a Florida-based lawyer and former computer programmer known for his skepticism towards voting machines and connections to election conspiracy theorists, has been appointed to oversee elections in Shasta County, California. The decision was made by the county's board of supervisors despite Curtis's lack of experience in election administration and his history of promoting unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud. The appointment reflects the influence of election denialism in Shasta County, a conservative region where Republicans vastly outnumber Democrats. This move has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the integrity of future elections in the county.

• What: Appointment of Clint Curtis, an election skeptic with no prior experience in election administration, as the county clerk and registrar of voters in Shasta County, California.
• Who: Clint Curtis, Shasta County Board of Supervisors (Kevin Crye, Matt Plummer, Chris Kelstrom), Joanna Francescut, Cathy Darling Allen, Tom Toller, Mike Lindell, Steve Bannon, Rand Paul, Kari Lake.
• When: Appointment decision made in late April 2025, to be finalized after a background check. Curtis is slated to start soon. Cathy Darling Allen retired last year. Tom Toller announced plans to resign in March.
• Where: Shasta County, California.

The appointment of Clint Curtis is a significant development in Shasta County's ongoing struggle with election denialism. Curtis's background as an election skeptic and his lack of experience in election administration raise serious concerns about the integrity of future elections in the county. The decision also highlights the deep divisions within the county government and the influence of far-right factions. The situation in Shasta County could serve as a model for election deniers seeking to advance their agenda across the US.

"I think now is the time to do things differently and lead in a different way."

"Elections have been manipulated at the county level for decades"

"Without a doubt appointing a self-proclaimed election expert with no ties to our community, no elections experience and a history of promoting unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud would be a grave disservice to the voters of our county."

"I broke it so I better fix it."

"change voting not only in Shasta county but possibly the whole state and possibly the whole nation".

"I do not judge people by their political beliefs and feel that we must be willing to treat everyone with respect. Failing to do so just keeps us at each other throats and we accomplish nothing,"

Clint Curtis's appointment as the interim County Clerk/Registrar of Voters in Shasta County signals a potential shift in the county's election administration, raising concerns about the future of fair elections. Despite Curtis's pledge to adhere to California election laws, his history of election skepticism, advocacy for hand-counting ballots (which is largely illegal in California), and association with election deniers like Mike Lindell, fuel apprehension. His proposed measures, such as reducing voter drop boxes and increasing video surveillance, also generate controversy. The decision by the Board of Supervisors to appoint Curtis, overlooking the experienced Assistant Registrar Joanna Francescut, underscores a deep division within the county regarding election procedures. Francescut, who has worked in Shasta County's elections department since 2008 and has been involved with the direct oversight of more than 14 elections, plans to run for the position in 2026. With Shasta County already facing scrutiny for election-related issues and a strong sentiment for election integrity, Curtis's tenure warrants close monitoring, especially given the existing political polarization and the potential for further legal challenges.