
By Mike Hazlip–
Those interested in observing the vote counting process in Sacramento County can do so in person and are given broad access to see ballot scanning, signature verification, opening of sealed ballots, and manual review of the ballots.
Anyone wishing to observe the process can contact the Sacramento County Registrar of Voters by emailing Voters-CampaignServices@saccounty.net or calling (916) 875-6451. Observers will need to follow guidelines posted on the registrar’s website, which include wearing a mask and certain restrictions on photography.
The elections office where votes are counted is located in south Sacramento, at 7000 65th street. An appointment is required to observe.
Courtney Bailey-Kanelos, who serves as the Sacramento County Registrar of Voters, said about 10-15 observers have dropped by each day to watch the vote counting process. Although observers are typically affiliated with a campaign, she said any member of the public is welcome to observe.
California’s Election Code, section 15104 (b), states that “A member of the county grand jury, and at least one member each of the Republican county central committee, the Democratic county central committee, and of any other party with a candidate on the ballot, and any other interested organization, shall be permitted to observe and challenge the manner in which the vote by mail ballots are handled, from the processing of vote by mail ballot return envelopes through the counting and disposition of the ballots.”
Sentinel staff observed the process on Friday afternoon, watching as county workers wearing masks and gloves sorted through ballots. Clear Plexiglas separated work stations, and at least a dozen workers could be seen looking over ballots in one room.
Security cameras were observed in all locations of the facility, and a live, 24-hour feed can be viewed on the county website. (See video feed)
After signatures from pink ballot envelopes are scanned electronically, Bailey-Kanelos said her staff compare signatures to a stored image on file with the Registrar of Voters.
Once verified, the pink envelopes are opened by machine and a worker removes the ballot. After the ballot is removed from the envelope, Bailey-Kanelos said the ballot remains anonymous and cannot be traced back to any individual voter.
The counted ballots are stored in a locked room under video surveillance, with each ballot separated by precinct and remaining on file to allow for an audit and in the event of a recount.
To see guidelines for election observers, visit elections.saccounty.net.
Those interested in observing the vote counting process in Sacramento County can do so in person and are given broad access to see ballot scanning, signature verification, opening of sealed ballots, and manual review of the ballots.
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