Score: +19
(19/4/0)
Monterey County Grand Jury
• 2016-2017
A Top to Bottom Review of Monterey County Elections Department
Published: November 08, 2016
8 pages
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 8 findings
F1
The VoteCal voter registration database is a helpful tool to aid each county elections department. It is impossible to have up-to-date information if the other 49 states do not share vital information regarding changes of address, death’s, etc. The state of California could lead the charge to ask for increased collaboration between the states.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
The Monterey County Civil Grand Jury found no evidence of “rigging” or “hacking” during the 2016 election process. Security measures by the MCED preclude the possibility of such a manipulation of the election results. Given the information determined during the investigation, the MCCGJ finds any assertions that “rigging” or “hacking” could or has occurred, to be unsupported by the facts and, therefore, false.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
The MCCGJ did learn that the DREs, purchased in 1998, are very outdated and expensive to maintain. Replacement parts are almost impossible to locate or non- existent.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
MCED does an excellent job in handling the ballots, securing the equipment and effectively tabulating the ballots. However, voter experiences at polling locations differ. Some have short waits, others much longer. The number of staffers in some 8 locations is adequate and those staff members are well trained and welcoming. In other locations, the wait to vote is much longer.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
MCED is in need of modern electronic voting machines, with up-to-date and secure software, and state of the art ballot tabulation modules.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
MCED to acquire new voting and tabulating machines.
F6
The MCED election-day process would benefit from polling place feedback from the voters, clerks, and inspectors. Feedback would improve the voting experience by illuminating issues such as long lines, any inadequately trained polling place staff, parking and accessibility issues.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
MCED staff initiate polling place surveys or online portal for voters, clerks and inspectors to provide feedback. Request for Responses: Pursuant to Penal Code section 933.05, the Monterey County Civil Grand Jury requests a response to all Findings and all Recommendations from the Monterey County Board of Supervisors. 9 10
F7
The MCCGJ found all the interviewed employees of the Monterey County Elections Department to be transparent with their answers and very knowledgeable concerning their duties and responsibilities.
No recommendations for this finding
F8
The MCCGJ recognizes the outstanding job performed by the MCED and the valuable service they provide to the voters of our county. Recommendations:
No recommendations for this finding
Agency Responses 6
Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.
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Response to Preservation of Historical Documents of Monterey County, Monterey County Assessor-County
June 23, 2017
•
3 pages
View Details ▾
No structured response data extracted yet.
View the PDF for full details.
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Response to the A Top to Bottom Review of Monterey County Elections Department, Board of Supervisors
August 31, 2017
•
7 pages
• 10 responses
•
Score: +7
(+7, 2, 0)
View Details ▾
10 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
The VoteCal voter registration database is a helpful tool to aid each county elections department. It is impossible to have up-to-date information if the other 49 states do not share vital information regarding changes of address, death’s, etc. The state of California could lead the charge to ask for increased collaboration between the states.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
department. It is impossible to have up-to-date information if the other 49 states do not share vital information regarding changes of address, death's, ets. The state of California could lead the charge to ask for increased collaboration between the states. Response F1: The Board of Supervisors agree with this finding. The California Secretary of State, who serves as the state's Chief Elections Officer, is an active member of the National Association of the Secretaries of State. As such, the office of the Secretary of State is the appropriate agent to address F1. The Monterey County Civil Gra...
R1
MCED to acquire new voting and tabulating machines.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
R1: This recommendation has not yet been implemented.
F2
The Monterey County Civil Grand Jury found no evidence of “rigging” or “hacking” during the 2016 election process. Security measures by the MCED preclude the possibility of such a manipulation of the election results. Given the information determined during the investigation, the MCCGJ finds any assertions that “rigging” or “hacking” could or has occurred, to be unsupported by the facts and, therefore, false.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
the 2016 election process. Security measures by the MCED preclude the possibility of such a manipulation of the election results. Given the information determined during the investigation, the MCCGJ finds any assertions that "rigging" or "hacking" could or has occurred, to be unsupported by the facts and, therefore, false. Response F2: The Board of Supervisors agree with this finding The MCCGJ did learn that the DREs, purchased in 1998, are very outdated and expensive to
R2
MCED staff initiate polling place surveys or online portal for voters, clerks and inspectors to provide feedback. Request for Responses: Pursuant to Penal Code section 933.05, the Monterey County Civil Grand Jury requests a response to all Findings and all Recommendations from the Monterey County Board of Supervisors. 9 10
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
R2: This recommendation has been implemented.
F3
The MCCGJ did learn that the DREs, purchased in 1998, are very outdated and expensive to maintain. Replacement parts are almost impossible to locate or non- existent.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The Board of Supervisors agree with this finding The MCCGJ did learn that the DREs, purchased in 1998, are very outdated and expensive to
F3.
F4
MCED does an excellent job in handling the ballots, securing the equipment and effectively tabulating the ballots. However, voter experiences at polling locations differ. Some have short waits, others much longer. The number of staffers in some 8 locations is adequate and those staff members are well trained and welcoming. In other locations, the wait to vote is much longer.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
tabulating the ballots. However, voter experiences at polling locations differ. Some have short waits, others much longer. The number of staffers in some locations is adequate and those staff members are well trained and welcoming. In other locations, the wait to vote is much longer. Response F4: The Board of Supervisors partially agrees with this finding. A rigorous security system, including chain of custody for ballots and equipment, is in place. There were no reports of staffing shortages or excessive wait times during the November 2016 Election.
MCED is in need of modern electronic votin...
F5
MCED is in need of modern electronic voting machines, with up-to-date and secure software, and state of the art ballot tabulation modules.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
and state of the art ballot tabulation modules. Response F5: The Board of Supervisors agree with this finding MCED election-day process would benefit from polling place feedback from the voters,
F6
The MCED election-day process would benefit from polling place feedback from the voters, clerks, and inspectors. Feedback would improve the voting experience by illuminating issues such as long lines, any inadequately trained polling place staff, parking and accessibility issues.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The Board of Supervisors agree with this finding MCED election-day process would benefit from polling place feedback from the voters,
F6.
F7
The MCCGJ found all the interviewed employees of the Monterey County Elections Department to be transparent with their answers and very knowledgeable concerning their duties and responsibilities.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Department to be transparent with their answers and very knowledgeable concerning their duties and responsibilities. Response F7: The Board of Supervisors agree with this finding The MCCGJ recognizes the outstanding job performed by the MCED and the valuable
F8
The MCCGJ recognizes the outstanding job performed by the MCED and the valuable service they provide to the voters of our county. Recommendations:
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The Board of Supervisors agree with this finding The MCCGJ recognizes the outstanding job performed by the MCED and the valuable
F8.
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Response to the Monterey County Jail Crisis: Our De Facto Mental Health, Sheriff
August 24, 2017
•
5 pages
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No structured response data extracted yet.
View the PDF for full details.
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Response to the Monterey County Jail Insufficient Number of Deputies: Car 54 Where Are You?, Sheriff
August 24, 2017
•
6 pages
• 1 response
•
Score: +1
(+1, 0, 0)
View Details ▾
1 response to findings and recommendations
F5
MCED is in need of modern electronic voting machines, with up-to-date and secure software, and state of the art ballot tabulation modules.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
- The proposed budget reductions will have a negative effect on MCSO's ability to provide protection to our county's residents. The Sheriff's Office agrees with this finding. Fortunately, this finding was rendered mute with the adoption of the 2018 budget.
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Response to the Preservation of Historical Documents of Monterey County, City of Monterey
August 23, 2017
•
3 pages
• 7 responses
•
Score: +5
(+5, 2, 0)
View Details ▾
7 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
The VoteCal voter registration database is a helpful tool to aid each county elections department. It is impossible to have up-to-date information if the other 49 states do not share vital information regarding changes of address, death’s, etc. The state of California could lead the charge to ask for increased collaboration between the states.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The City Council agrees with the finding.
R1
MCED to acquire new voting and tabulating machines.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
The recommendation has been implemented for the City of Monterey. The Monterey Public Library catalogs and indexes historical documentation, and documents finding aids, through the Library's online catalog, accessible at www.monterey.org/library. The Museum Division catalogs many historical items through the Library's online catalog, while maintaining others in the Division's online art and artifact database, PastPerfect, which is not accessible to the public.
F2
The Monterey County Civil Grand Jury found no evidence of “rigging” or “hacking” during the 2016 election process. Security measures by the MCED preclude the possibility of such a manipulation of the election results. Given the information determined during the investigation, the MCCGJ finds any assertions that “rigging” or “hacking” could or has occurred, to be unsupported by the facts and, therefore, false.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The City Council agrees with the finding.
F3
The MCCGJ did learn that the DREs, purchased in 1998, are very outdated and expensive to maintain. Replacement parts are almost impossible to locate or non- existent.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City Council partially agrees with the finding. While the Monterey County Historical Society's vault is modern and up-to-date, the City of Monterey maintains a secure, UV-protected, climate and humidity-controlled California History Room at the Monterey Public Library. This facility is maintained to high document preservation standards, while allowing public access through the City's Museums, CITY HALL • MONTEREY • CALIFORNIA • 93940 • 831.646.3760 • FAX 831.646.3793 Web Site • http://www.monterey.org
1.1
Cultural Arts and Archives Manager, trained librarians, and through document findin...
F5
MCED is in need of modern electronic voting machines, with up-to-date and secure software, and state of the art ballot tabulation modules.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The City Council agrees with the finding.
F6
The MCED election-day process would benefit from polling place feedback from the voters, clerks, and inspectors. Feedback would improve the voting experience by illuminating issues such as long lines, any inadequately trained polling place staff, parking and accessibility issues.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The City Council agrees with the finding.
F7
The MCCGJ found all the interviewed employees of the Monterey County Elections Department to be transparent with their answers and very knowledgeable concerning their duties and responsibilities.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The City Council agrees with the finding. Recommendations
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Response to the Preservation of Historical Documents of Monterey County, City of Salinas
August 29, 2017
•
3 pages
• 8 responses
•
Score: +6
(+6, 0, 0)
View Details ▾
8 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
The VoteCal voter registration database is a helpful tool to aid each county elections department. It is impossible to have up-to-date information if the other 49 states do not share vital information regarding changes of address, death’s, etc. The state of California could lead the charge to ask for increased collaboration between the states.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The City of Salinas agrees with this finding. Salinas Public Library staff members charged with maintaining historical documents have achieved Master's degrees in Library and Information Science and perform their duties responsibly.
R1
MCED to acquire new voting and tabulating machines.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
The City of Salinas agrees with this finding. Salinas Public Library staff members charged with maintaining historical documents have achieved Master's degrees in Library and Information Science and perform their duties responsibly.
F2
The Monterey County Civil Grand Jury found no evidence of “rigging” or “hacking” during the 2016 election process. Security measures by the MCED preclude the possibility of such a manipulation of the election results. Given the information determined during the investigation, the MCCGJ finds any assertions that “rigging” or “hacking” could or has occurred, to be unsupported by the facts and, therefore, false.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The City of Salinas agrees with this finding. As stated in the final report, the Salinas Public Library is currently studying more effective methods of storing and securing historical documents.
7 The Honorable Mark E. Hood Re: City of Salinas's Response to Monterey County Civil Grand Jury August 29, 2017 Page 2 of 3
R2
MCED staff initiate polling place surveys or online portal for voters, clerks and inspectors to provide feedback. Request for Responses: Pursuant to Penal Code section 933.05, the Monterey County Civil Grand Jury requests a response to all Findings and all Recommendations from the Monterey County Board of Supervisors. 9 10
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
The City of Salinas agrees with this finding. Salinas Public Library staff members charged with maintaining historical documents have achieved Master's degrees in Library and Information Science and perform their duties responsibly.
F3
The MCCGJ did learn that the DREs, purchased in 1998, are very outdated and expensive to maintain. Replacement parts are almost impossible to locate or non- existent.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The City of Salinas agrees with this finding. As stated in the final report, the Salinas Public Library is currently studying more effective methods of storing and securing historical documents.
7 The Honorable Mark E. Hood Re: City of Salinas's Response to Monterey County Civil Grand Jury August 29, 2017 Page 2 of 3
F5
MCED is in need of modern electronic voting machines, with up-to-date and secure software, and state of the art ballot tabulation modules.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The City of Salinas agrees with this finding. Salinas Public Library staff members charged with maintaining historical documents have achieved Master's degrees in Library and Information Science and perform their duties responsibly.
F6
The MCED election-day process would benefit from polling place feedback from the voters, clerks, and inspectors. Feedback would improve the voting experience by illuminating issues such as long lines, any inadequately trained polling place staff, parking and accessibility issues.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The City of Salinas agrees with this finding.
F7
The MCCGJ found all the interviewed employees of the Monterey County Elections Department to be transparent with their answers and very knowledgeable concerning their duties and responsibilities.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The City of Salinas agrees with this finding. Salinas Public Library staff members charged with maintaining historical documents have achieved Master's degrees in Library and Information Science and perform their duties responsibly.