Election Observer Plan

Purpose of Election Observer Panel

• Provides an avenue for public observation of the election process
• Assists in ensuring the integrity of the election process
• Encourages participation and builds voter confidence in the election process
• Provides feedback to Registrar of Voters

General Rules for Observers

• Observation at Vote Centers

  The dates and times vote centers are open varies by location. On Election Day, all vote centers are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Observers may observe vote center set-up before the vote centers open, all activities while the vote centers are open, and vote center closing procedures. Following are guidelines for observers.

  • All observers must check in with the Vote Center Coordinator at the vote center.
  • No eating or drinking is allowed in the work areas. Water is ok.
  • No talking on cell phones inside the vote center.
  • No photos, videotaping or filming within 100’ of the vote center entrance and inside the vote center.
  • No campaign buttons, signs or literature allowed within 100 feet of the vote center entrance.
  • An observer’s function is to observe procedures at the vote center. Observers cannot assist in operations, touch or handle any ballots or other election-related materials, challenge actions by vote center workers or sit at official table.
  • Direct all questions to the Vote Center Coordinator.
  • Avoid physical contact with vote center workers.
  • Hold discussions and conversations with other observers outside of the vote center.
  • Report problems with observation activities or concerns about procedures to the Registrar of Voters at 1-415-473-6456.
• Observation at receiving centers on Election Day

  Following are guidelines for observers at receiving centers:

  • All observers must check in with an election officer at the receiving center.
  • No talking on cell phones inside receiving center.
  • An observer’s function is to observe procedures. Observers cannot assist in operations or touch or handle any election-related materials.
  • Direct all questions to the onsite rover or call the Elections Department.
  • Avoid physical contact with election officers.
  • Hold discussions and conversations with other observers outside of the receiving center area.
  • Report problems with observation activities or concerns about procedures to the Registrar of Voters at (415) 473-6456 or email elections@marincounty.org.
• Additional Information
  • Vote Center Guidelines
  • Election Department Guidelines

Invitations

Prepare an Election Fact Sheet which includes observer opportunities with dates of key activities for the upcoming election. Distribute to Election Advisory Committee, City/Town Clerks, and post on Registrar of Voters website.

Between E-60 and E-40, send invitations to participate on the Logic and Accuracy Board/Observer Panel to the following organizations:

• Marin County Grand Jury
• League of Women Voters

Introduction to Vote Center Workers and Appointment Letters

Marin County’s formal Observer Panel is composed of members of the Logic and Accuracy Board/Observer Panel. The Registrar of Voters sends appointment letters to all members of this board and other individuals who wish to observe the election, and provides

• Letter of introduction to Vote Center Coordinator of vote centers,
• List of vote center addresses within the county,
• Election Observer Guidelines,
• Name Badge, and
• Observer Feedback Form

Mechanism for Feedback

The Department provides questionnaires for observers to fill out for each vote center they visit on Election Day. Questionnaire provides feedback to election official.

Notice to Media

The Registrar of Voters provides information about election night vote counting activities to news media through a news advisory.

Meet with Observers

The Registrar and Assistant Registrar meet with the appointed Logic and Accuracy Board/Observer panel members from the Marin County League of Women Voters and the Marin County Grand Jury to conduct the Logic and Accuracy test and explain election observer responsibilities. Observers are welcome.

Public Notice of Vote Counting

No later than 10 days prior to the election, the Registrar of Voters publishes a legal notice notifying the public of the addresses of all vote centers in the county and the location of the central count site for mail ballots. The Registrar of Voters will post a notice on our website homepage at least five days in advance notifying the public of the time and place of the one percent manual tally, and time and place of selection of precincts to be tallied.

County Information

Address:
County of Marin
Lynda Roberts
Registrar of Voters
(415) 473-6401

Ballot Tabulation System Information:
Dominion Voting System:
ImageCast Central
ImageCastX ballot marking device