regarding the implementation of the Voters Choice Act (VCA) in Mariposa County allowing for all Mail-In Voting.TITLE OF PRESENTATION:
Discussion and Direction Regarding the Implementation of the Voters Choice Act (VCA) in Mariposa County Allowing for All Mail-In Voting.
Implementation of the Voter’s Choice Act (VCA) in Mariposa County, will convert the current elections to all mail elections. This is a new model for Elections Administration which seeks to make participation in democracy easier and more secure for voters while simplifying the election administration in many ways.
Converting to an all mail voting system will require a change to our current voting equipment agreement, and purchasing drop boxes and other related supplies.
Staff is requesting direction to proceed with the implementation, Should direction be given additional items will be brought final approval.
BACKGROUND AND HISTORY:
In 2016 Governor Jerry Brown signed SB450 in law allowing 6 pilot counties to use all mail-in voting in the 2018 elections. The law opened up the choice for all counties to implement the VCA for the 2020 election cycle.
Attachment:
Implementation of the Voter’s Choice Act (VCA) in Mariposa County, which converts the current elections to all mail elections. This is a new model for Elections Administration which seeks to make participation in democracy easier and more secure for voters while simplifying the election administration in many ways.
1. Reasons behind the change in Mariposa County:
•Increased security of ballots
•Current high levels of voting by mail already present
•Historically higher voter turn out with vote by mail
•Evolving election law allows this change in Mariposa County beginning in 2020
•Alleviates the potential for Election day complications due to adverse weather conditions
•Potential for cost savings for the County
2. Plans for Countywide vote centers:
•Elections office will serve as the primary vote center and will be open and staffed for ten consecutive days prior to and including Election Day
•A vote center on the North side of the County will be open and staffed for four consecutive days prior to and including Election Day
•A vote center in the El Portal area of the County will be open and staffed for two consecutive days prior to and including Election Day
•At any of these centers, a voter will be able to get a replacement ballot, vote electronically, cast a provisional ballot and register to vote
3. Ballot drop off locations:
•There will be one secured drive through ballot drop off box in the County, available for twenty nine days prior to and including Election Day
•Secured drop boxes will be placed Countywide (possibly at all County Library sites), available for twenty nine days prior to and including Election Day.
Source: Mariposa County
