Readiness and Efficiency of Election Officials, Workers Cited
Nevada
City, Calif. February 3, 2021 – The 2020-2021 Nevada County Grand Jury (Jury)
today released its investigation into the County Election Office’s ability to
manage the 2021 Presidential election and its readiness for unforeseen events.
Based on interviews with election officials and in-person inspections of
election offices and multiple voting centers, the Jury concluded that officials
were well prepared and the election proceeded smoothly, with minimal
disruption. Nevada County certified its
results on November 25, nearly a week earlier than required by State law, while
confirming a high turnout of nearly 90% of registered County voters.
Jurors
observed that poll workers were knowledgeable, helpful, and well-trained to
interact with voters. Covid-19 concerns
were addressed by vote center workers, assigned to disinfect surfaces after
every use. Pens were provided for ballot
marking and not reused, instead given to each individual voter. Concerns regarding illegal ‘electioneering’
at poll sites, including the presence of candidate signs and merchandise, were
largely kept in check. Back-up
generators and ballot materials were well stocked but not needed.
Summary
California
voters passed the Voter’s Choice Act (VCA) in 2016, and Nevada County adopted
it by the 2018 elections. The VCA allows voters to choose how, when, and where
to cast their ballots. Each registered voter is mailed a ballot and a postage
paid return envelope, making it easy for them to vote before election day using
the United States Postal Service or by depositing the ballot in a secure drop
box. Of course, voters may also vote in person if they prefer.
Prior
to the 2020 Presidential General Election, Nevada County conducted nine VCA
elections without any major issues. Election officials report after three years
of VCA, voters have become experienced and confident with the choice to use an
official drop box, to vote by mail, or to vote in person. They estimated over
90% of voters return their ballots by mail or drop them in one of the secure
drop boxes.
Presidential
General Elections usually require more planning by officials because the
turnouts are higher than in other elections. The November 2020 election
presented additional challenges because of Covid-19 virus, possible Public Safety
Power Shutoffs, concerns about timely mail delivery and threats of voter
intimidation.
Detailed
planning was critical. New vote centers had to be secured to meet physical
distancing requirements and policies updated to allow for new challenges. Over
120 people were hired and trained, and a variety of additional resources were
added to ensure a smooth election.
The
Nevada County Grand Jury observed this election cycle by interviewing election
officials, taking virtual and in-person tours of the elections office and
visiting multiple vote centers over several days. We observed that
contingencies were in place for most possible scenarios: generators and
emergency lighting in place for the loss of power, back up ballots were
available for all precincts if printers were inoperative, easy access to the
Elections Office and election officials to assist as needed.
Vote
center workers provided a step-by-step explanation of the voting process. One
vote center worker was assigned to disinfect surfaces after every use. Pens
were provided for ballot marking and they were not reused, and were instead
kept by each individual voter.
Jurors
observed that poll workers were knowledgeable, helpful, and well-trained when
interacting with voters. Voters who came in with predetermined voting choices
took about ten minutes to complete their ballots.
Nevada
County certified its results on November 25 confirming that 65,800 voters cast
a ballot. Voter turnout was 87.6% of the registered 75,123 voters.
Based
on the 2020 Presidential General Election, Nevada County voters should have
confidence in their election officials. They are competent, knowledgeable, and
concerned about ensuring a edit smooth election.
Download
the full Grand Jury report: http://nccourt.net/divisions/gj-reports.shtml.
YubaNet.com
by Nevada County Civil Grand Jury
February 3, 2021
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