November 8, 2022 - Election Observer Survey Results

Election Observer Survey Results

November 2022 General Election

The County of Marin Elections Department observer survey conducted November 2 through December 2, 2022, was a new study to determine if observers believed they had open access to election procedures and to determine how they viewed their experience of observing ballot processing. This is a further step in the transparency and partnership of information sharing for the elections office. Observer guidelines, as updated from the Secretary of State’s Office, California Elections Code 15004, are designed to promote transparency and to clarify rights and responsibilities for both observers and the elections office.

The survey was provided to observers each day so one observer may have completed multiple surveys. There was a total of 32 observers who submitted a total of 48 surveys. The observes made multiple visits totaling 98 visits to the Election Office during the survey period. The survey had seven main questions and the data was analyzed and compiled into the results shown below. The survey was not anonymous. These findings were presented to the Election Advisory Committee on December 16, 2022.

The County of Marin elections Department would like to thank the observes who visited the office to learn about and understand the election process. Observers are important stakeholders in the process and can help reduce misinformation through first-hand participation.

The mission statement of the County of Marin Elections Department is to conduct elections in a responsive, transparent, and professional manner that will inspire trust and confidence in the work while promoting engagement with all Marin County residents in the election process.

How would you rate your observation?

Explanation:

This pie graph depicts the responses to the question “how would you rate your observation?” It shows that 62% of the respondents rated their experience as excellent, 29% rated their experience as very good, and 9% rated their experience as good. No one rated the experience as poor.

Were the observer guidelines clear?

Explanation:

This pie graph depicts the responses to the question “were the observer guidelines clear?” It shows that 100% of the respondents indicated the guidelines were clear. Guidelines are given to each observer and include do’s and don’ts to follow while observing in the County of Marin Elections Department.

What did you observe today?

Explanation:

This pie graph depicts the responses to the question “what did you observe today?” It shows that 31% of the respondents observed ballot extraction and inspection, also known as E&I, 26% observed signature verification, 22% observed the vote-by-mail ballot sorter operations, 16% observed tabulation, and 5% observed adjudication. Operations work in tandem with each other. For example, the vote-by-mail sorter may conduct two of the three passes when signature verification is in progress. And tabulation will occur once the E&I board has produced a high enough threshold of ballots to be counted efficiently.

Did you have access to all relevant election procedures on the day of the visit?

Explanation:

This pie graph depicts the responses to the question “did you have access to all relevant election procedures on the day of the visit?” It shows that 87% responded yes and 13% responded no. Some “no responses” did not provide an explanation. Others indicated “not enough time” and “did not see every step”. Another person answered no because they had an obstructed view in the adjudication process and mentioned the room dividers that separate the observation area from the work area.

Were all your questions on election procedures answered?

Explanation:

This pie graph depicts the responses to the question “were all your questions on election procedures answered?” It shows that 93% respondents indicated yes and 7% indicated a no response. Clarification for the no response was not provided.