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

Rules for Observers

• Observation at Vote Centers

  The dates and times vote centers are open varies by location. See the list of vote centers and hours of operation. 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 Electioneering allowed within 100 feet of the vote center entrance or an outdoor site, including a curbside voting area, at which a voter may cast or drop off a ballot. Prohibited electioneering information or activity includes, but is not limited to, any of the following:
    • A display of a candidate’s name, likeness, or logo.
    • A display of a ballot measure’s number, title, subject, or logo.
    • Buttons, hats, pencils, pens, shirts, signs, or stickers containing electioneering information.
    • Dissemination of audible electioneering information.
    • Obstructing access to, loitering near, or disseminating visible or audible electioneering information at vote by mail ballot drop boxes.
  • 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 the Election Department

  Rules are Established using California Elections Code.

  • Observers must always sign in daily upon arrival and departure. You must wear an observer badge. When signing, you are affirming that you have read the rules for observation.
  • No eating or drinking is allowed in the work area.
  • No use of cell phones, cameras or recording devices are permitted in the office.
  • No Electioneering allowed within 100 feet of the Election Department entrance or an outdoor site, including a curbside voting area, at which a voter may cast or drop off a ballot. Prohibited electioneering information or activity includes, but is not limited to, any of the following:
    • A display of a candidate’s name, likeness, or logo.
    • A display of a ballot measure’s number, title, subject, or logo.
    • Buttons, hats, pencils, pens, shirts, signs, or stickers containing electioneering information.
    • Dissemination of audible electioneering information.
    • Obstructing access to, loitering near, or disseminating visible or audible electioneering information at vote by mail ballot drop boxes.
  • Due to space limitations, the number of observers in an area may be limited. The elections official will determine the location for observers to view the requested process.
  • Observers cannot assist in operations, touch or handle any ballots or other election-related materials. Observers cannot challenge action of staff.
  • All questions concerning a procedure shall be directed to the Observer Liaison and not directly to employees.
  • Observers shall avoid physical contact with employees.
  • Hold discussions and conversations with other observers outside the work areas.
  • Observers will be allowed into the work areas only when employees are performing election operations.
  • Operations will continue as scheduled whether an observer is present or not.
  • Observers may call in advance to find out when staff will be working on a specific operation, or operations the staff will be working on that day.
  • An observer may be asked to leave for failure to follow rules. Violation of security by an observer may cause expulsion from the building or relocation by a sheriff’s deputy or building security.

Marin County’s formal Observer Panel and Public Logic and Accuracy Board is a four member team composed from two members of the Marin County Grand Jury and two members of the League of Women Voters. The Registrar of Voters sends appointment letters to all members of the Observer Panel/Public Logic and Accuracy Board and other individuals who wish to observe.

The Registrar and Assistant Registrar meet with the appointed Observer Panel/Public Logic and Accuracy Board members to conduct the Public Logic and Accuracy test and explain election observer responsibilities. General public observers are welcome.

The election Department provides the following information to observers:

• Letter of introduction to Vote Center Coordinator of vote centers, this is also distribute to Election Advisory Committee, City/Town Clerks, and posted on our website
• Election Fact Sheet, which includes observer opportunities with dates of key activities
• List of vote center addresses within the county
• Rules for Observer
• Name Badge
• Observer Feedback Form

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

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.

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.

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.

Notice to Media

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

Notice to Media

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

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