Monday, 13 August 2007 01:36

Amador County Election Officials To Sups: “We Will Need Support”

slide7According to Amador County Elections Officials new rules implemented by the California Secretary of State for the February elections will have impacts here in Amador County- but they say with the Board of Supervisors support they will get through them. George Allen & Sheldon Johnson gave an Amador County Voting System update reporting that the new rules include 10 requirements for tabulation procedures for how votes must now be counted.

The rules include that the counting of each ballot be done by 3 machines, one for control, one for count and one to erase ballots. Another rule will tax those that actually conduct the lection process, mainly volunteers, with a requirements that two poll workers remain with the machines at all times when transported, used and delivered back to the elections office after the polls close. Allen cautioned the Board that “We are starting to overload our poll workers.” According to Allen the situation with the state rules is fluid- and the county right now faces 4 options with the option number 1 being to keep the system we have- there will be extra work and office staff time. 2) go to a Central count system- issue ballots to poll workers and scan at one locations. Would delay results by 7-8 hours and may not meet fed standards 3) Hand count at election office- would take a lot longer, potentially up to 360 hours. Allen stated that with a 5 worker crew and 20 people the county would have a difficult time meeting 28 day election standard to finalize counts. The 4th option is a Mail ballot election- everyone would vote by mail- not approved by state yet and would need a work of legislature.

Both George Allen and Sheldon Johnson reported that “We will need more time and support for elections” Supervisor Louis Boitano asked if there was any good news? Johnson responded by stating that “This is controversial and we have many unknowns out there. We will need additional crews and space. The system we have is a good system and our problem is the handicap accessibility.” Again he reiterated that the elections department will need financial support, stating the “This will be a huge task to overcome but we will do it.”