The fate of the controversial sheriff in California will be decided by voters in the Bay Area.

On Tuesday, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors decided to hold a special election on March 4, 2025, due to a longstanding conflict with Sheriff Christina Corpus.

An upcoming special election, estimated to cost millions of taxpayer dollars, will give voters the chance to vote on a proposed amendment to the county charter. If approved, this amendment would grant the board the authority to remove a sheriff "for cause, including for violating the law while performing their duties, neglecting their duties flagrantly or repeatedly, misappropriating public funds, falsifying documents willfully, or obstructing investigations." This measure was sponsored by Supervisors Noelia Corzo and Ray Mueller.

On Tuesday, the board approved a special election with a 4-0 vote, with Supervisor David Canepa absent, according to KNTV's report.

If approved by a simple majority of voters, the ballot measure would alter the distribution of powers among the independently elected branches of government.

According to FOX 2 KTVU, Corzo stated that he trusted the voters of San Mateo County to make informed decisions.

Corpus, who is facing a recall campaign and demands for her resignation, wrote a letter to the board criticizing the move she believes will undermine her authority as an elected official.

A report released by retired Superior Court Judge LaDoris Cordell last month detailed allegations that Corpus "made and sent several racial and homophobic slurs in the workplace," retaliated against sheriff's office employees, and granted excessive authority to his civilian chief of staff, Victor Aenlle.

The sheriff is accused of having an inappropriate personal relationship with Aenlle, which Corpus denies.

According to FOX 2, the sheriff wrote that the Board of Supervisors and the County Executive Team have appointed themselves judge, juror, advocate, and executioner.

The sheriff deemed Cordell's report as "a baseless accusation, lacking evidence."

"The County's actions and proposed Charter Amendment may be used to justify the removal of voter choice, but questions about the process of this despicable chapter will be addressed in the future."

"Tom Mazzucco, Corpus' attorney, stated at Tuesday's San Mateo County Board of Supervisors meeting, "I urge you to continue this matter to uphold the sheriff's rights. This is the right course of action. Remember, when you took the pledge of allegiance, you swore to uphold justice for all.""

The sheriff should be given the chance to respond before taking over the authority of the voters, as it is too early to do so.

The deputy's union and the Office of Sheriff's Sergeants (OSS) have filed a complaint against the corpus, accusing it of unfair labor practices and violating the Brown Act.

According to FOX 2, Deputy Sheriff's Association attorney Sean Currin stated that it is illegal for an employer to interfere with union affairs, retaliate against union business, and intimidate the union.

Some members of the public defended the sheriff at Tuesday's meeting.

"I believe she has made remarkable contributions to the sheriff's office, such as reducing crime. Your criticism of her only reveals your own corruption, Monica Berlin, a Half Moon Bay resident, stated."

The board granted Corpus the opportunity to speak under oath on Dec. 10, but Corzo abstained from the vote.

Corzo expressed concern that the sheriff may continue to lie even under oath, so he decided to abstain from the decision.