Ventura County Grand Jury • 1996-1997

1996 Presidential General Election Monitoring

Published: November 05, 1996 3 pages
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Note: Missing finding numbers detected: F3, F8

Findings 8 findings

F1
The election inspectors and clerks were very cordial and accommodating to the ,- voting public. The inspectors had prior experience in handling the election - process. In some precincts the clerks were inexperienced, but they performed their tasks well. In response to questions, the clerks expressed a very favorable -~~ opinion on the training sessionso ffered by the County Clerk’s Election Division. -
F2
One polllng site did not adequately display polling place signs and voting - instructions. Howwer, we found that in most casest he polling sites and voting instructions were identified and displayed appropriately. .- -~ 3. The verification of voters and the signing of Master Roster of Voter List appeared to be handled satisfactorily. In some instances where the voter’s name was not included on the Master Roster, a pink provisional ballot was used. The voter is required to fill out the voter’s declaration on the provisional ballot envelope. The inspector checked off the reason the provisional ballot was used and verified the ..- - - - 29 - - - voter identlflcation. After voting and returning the ballot in the pink secrecy envelope, the Inspector removed the stubsa nd placed the ballot in the voter’s pink provisional envelope, which was then sealed and deposited in the ballot box.
F4
Assistance was allowed for handicapped voters and the aide or helper was recognized at the time of voting.
F5
In two precincts the polling facilities consisted of modular trailers used by the school as part of its library. Because of the books and extra chairs belonging to the library, there was inadequate space for the voting booths and the election officers’ work areas.T hree election officers staffed each of the two precinct sign- in and registration tables. The election officials for these precincts were bilingual, which was helpful. In certain instances the name identification and voter verification process took more time than usual, thereby creating a backup line of voters waiting to vote.
F6
Reconciliation of the ballots at closing time appeared to be troublesome for the election offlclals. The ballot count for three of the precinct sign-in and registration tables dld not reconcile. The reconciliation fours were eventually completed and deposited in the ballot box. The problem occurred when voters registered and picked up their ballots at one precinct table and, after voting, returned their completed ballot to another precinct table. After the reconciliation process was completed, a seal was placed around the metal loop of the ballot box, and it was locked.
F7
During the delivery of the ballot boxes to the area receiving stations it was noted that the deputy sheriffs responsible for receiving them conducted their tasks in an efficient manner. However, in a few instances some ballot boxes, although locked, were delivered without a seal, which was then provided and placedontheboxesbeforebeingloadedintothevehicleusedtotransportthem to the Election Central Station.
F9
Printouts that include all the election results from federal to local level, are made available to the general public every half-hour.
F10
The County of Ventura has: 616 precincts. l 189 of the precincts are mall predncts that are created when there are less l than 250 registered voters in a specific precinct. 456,865 residents of voting age. l 382,417 (83.7%) registered voters. l 253,866 (66.4%) who exercised their right to vote. l 2,306 voters used provisional ballots because they had moved and failed to l notify the elections department. Of these 4496, or 1,022, were found to be satisfactory while 5696, or 1,284, were disqualified for the following reasons: a. Were not registered to vote 30 b. Did not have proper identification c. Were not in correct polling place d. Did not sign affidavit on voting form CONCLUSIONS

Recommendations 2