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Observe Elections
Observe Elections
Elections is a transparent process and observation is welcome. In Monterey County, observers are provided an opportunity for public observation and input. This process assists in enhancing the integrity of the election process and increases voter confidence as well as encourages citizen participation.
Interested persons may observe all critical procedures of the election process, such as Logic and Accuracy testing of all vote tabulating machines planned for use during the election, vote by mail ballot processing, election officer training classes, election day activities, election night ballot tabulation and reporting, and canvass procedures (such as the manual tally).
Prior to any election, Monterey County Elections (MCE) will release a schedule of observable activities. This information will be emailed to interested parties, disseminated via press releases to various media outlets and posted on the MCE webpage and social media sites.
Observers may:
View pre-election proceedings, early voting and election day voting proceedings, vote by mail ballots processing, election night procedures, the canvass and post-election day procedures.
Take notes.
Challenge whether staff or poll workers are following established procedures for handling ballots and voting procedures.
Access the designated observation area.
Ask questions via elections@countyofmonterey.gov. At the discretion of the elections official, questions may be answered or redirected to the appropriate person.
As an election observer, you have a number of rights and responsibilities. Please take the time to review the Monterey County Elections Observer Guidelines informational packet to learn more about what you may and may not do as an observer. Additionally, in an effort to facilitate meaningful and specific feedback, each observer is encouraged to provide feedback directly to the Registrar of Voters at elections@countyofmonterey.gov. Observers may receive surveys from the Department following specific activities.
Observers may view election processes and procedures at various locations during set schedules, in accordance with public health and safety guidelines, including at:
Monterey County Elections-Observation Area, 1441 Schilling Place – North Building, Salinas, CA, 93901
Election officer training locations
Polling places and early vote locations
Supply pick-up and receiving centers
Official ballot return boxes
At the Elections Department:
The observation area will be open to the public during regular business hours. Any interested member of the public may access the observation area, without checking in at the front counter. The area includes informational panels with QR codes to access more information about observable activities. Please note confidential voter information such as voter signatures and personal identifying information may not be photographed or otherwise recorded.
At the Polling Place:
Anyone interested may observe the election process at polling places on Election Day. Observers should introduce themselves at the front table and sign in as an observer. Observers are encouraged to understand the rules and procedures while observing at the polling place.
Any questions from the observers can be directed to Elections at elections@countyofmonterey.gov.