Monterey County Grand Jury releases election security report

With election security and Russian election meddling in the national news, a Monterey County Civil Grand Jury looked at how secure Monterey County's 2018 election was.

The Monterey County Civil Grand Jury investigation centered on looking into the November 2018 elections and future elections. Their results showed no significant evidence of voter fraud or outside influence.

"I'm delighted that the grand jury has looked at all the departments in this year. Specifically the elections department," said Mary Adams, the Monterey County Board of Supervisor for District 5. "To be sure that they are looking at the functioning and that we weren't one of the places around the country that could possibly have been tampered with."

The report also presents issues including old equipment that needs to be replaced, some of which are specifically used by handicapped voters. The report noted that there is also a lack of volunteers that help to run voting facilities.

However, the biggest concern is over outside companies that are responsible for mailing voter ballots. This led to a problem in Gonzales in November where some voters received their ballots a week late.

The Grand Jury also provided recommendations to fix these problems while maintaining voter security. Suggestions from the jury are to track and keep close supervision on outside companies. They are also hoping to test more voting options, like voting online.

The jury also recommends expanding the budget to upgrade voting equipment and procedures. A budget that must be approved by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors.

“Now I think it'll be up to us, through budget process, to take a look at those recommendations and see what we can implement," said Adams.

Some of the recommendations from the Grand Jury could take some time. If they do pass, they will look to be implemented in 2022.

Action News reached out to the Monterey County Election’s Office, no one was available to comment. They are currently working on providing a response to the Grand Jury’s report.

May 28, 2019

KSBW 8

By Kyla Linville