(1115) Elections Division

The Division of Elections conducts all public federal, state, district, and local elections. The Division is responsible for conducting elections under the rules and regulations established by federal, state, and local laws – notably, the Voting Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act; maintain an open process that inspires public confidence in the election system; providing and improving upon a public outreach and education plan to engage eligible potential voters in San Benito County.

• Governor Newsom signed AB 860 and SB 430 to deal with the threat to elections brought by the Pandemic. The change in law required county elections officials to mail a ballot to every registered voter and consolidate voting locations. Considering these overwhelming legislative changes and the real threat of physical illness from the Pandemic, the Elections Division successfully and safely administered the 2020 Presidential Election.

• There is a pressing and immediate need for secure storage space. The Elections Division is in possession of sensitive and security required voting equipment.
• The County has deferred maintenance to the Hall of Records it would be good to address in the upcoming years.

• CY 2021, the Division will undertake a comprehensive evaluation on the County’s ability to implement SB-450 California Voter’s Choice Act.
• CY 2022, the Division will be introducing its Election Observer and Election Administrator Certification Program.