MEETING DATE: 3/22/2022
DEPARTMENT: COUNTY CLERK-AUDITOR-RECORDER ELECTIONS
DEPT HEAD/DIRECTOR: Joe Paul Gonzalez
AGENDA ITEM PREPARER: Francisco Diaz
SBC DEPT FILE NUMBER: 285
SUBJECT:
COUNTY CLERK-AUDITOR-RECORDER-REGISTRAR OF VOTERS- J.P. GONZALEZ
Accept informational presentation from the Elections Department regarding the Voter's Choice Act (VCA) voting model.
SBC FILE NUMBER: 285
AGENDA SECTION:
REGULAR AGENDA
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
San Benito County is one of twenty-seven counties approved to adopt the Voter Choice Act (VCA) voting model. In accordance with the California’s Voter’s Choice Act, and pursuant to Elections Code Section 4005(a)(10)(I)(i).
Starting with the June 7, 2022, Statewide Direct Primary Election:
- Every registered voter will receive a Vote by Mail ballot starting 29 days before Election Day
- Voters can vote at any of the Vote Centers in San Benito County
- 2 Vote Centers will be open 11 days, including Election Day
- 2 Additional Vote Centers will be open for 4 days, including Election Day
- 6 Drop Boxes will be open for 29 days, including Election Day
Compared to the traditional polling place model, there are more locations to get a replacement ballot (on-demand), more accessible voting machines, and more language assistance at Vote Centers.
To implement the Voter's Choice Act as outlined, the Elections Department produce an Election Administration Plan (EAP) to guide outreach to underserved groups and the community at-large in preparation for implementation. The first draft EAP was published on July 29, 2021. A public consultation for voters with disabilities and language minority groups was held on December 8, 2021. Initial meetings of the Language Accessibility Advisory Committee and Voting Accessibility Advisory Committee were held on December 28, 2021. This process allowed for the public to provide input on the EAP and the outreach program. The final draft was published on January 24, 2022.
To to increase awareness, elections staff will be establishing partnerships with nonprofits like Disability Rights California, Youth Alliance, Hope Services, San Benito County Chamber of Commerce, San Benito County Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Chispa, and San Benito County High Schools. Each partner will be leading an element of the voter outreach and engagement program.
In addition, the Elections Department will be having a Voter's Choice Act Kick-Off Celebration on Saturday, April 2nd at the Veteran's Memorial Building Patio from 11:00am to 2:00pm. This will be a family event with food, music, raffles, face painting, and general family activities.
The Secretary of State (or designee) will be in attendance to commemorate the transition to the Voter Choice Act (VCA) voting model.
RESOLUTION OR ORDINANCE NEEDED FOR THIS ITEM:
N/A
CONTRACT NEEDED FOR THIS ITEM:
N/A
CONTRACT AND RFP HISTORY:
N/A
LAST CONTRACT AMOUNT OR N/A:
N/A
STATE IF THIS IS A NEW CONTRACT/ HOW MANY PAST AMENDED CONTRACTS/ OR N/A:
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
BUDGETED:
Yes
Budget Adjustment Needed: No
Unfunded Mandate (Is this a mandate not funded by the State): N/A