NEVADA COUNTY, Calif. October 2, 2020 – Nevada County Registrar of Voters Greg Diaz is confident the November election will run smoothly and safely, even after the departure of two senior elections staff.
The two staff members quit this week, one of them unexpectedly, with a little over a month to go before the general election. Both were instrumental in past years preparing ballots, training temporary workers and running elections and tabulating results.
Reached for comment, Greg Diaz stated:
Here in Nevada County, we are embarking on our eighth (8) All-Mailed Ballot/Vote Center election, utilizing Ballot drop-off locations authorized by the 2016 California Voter’s Choice Act. Our team has established tried and true procedures that have served our voters well since implementing the Voter’s Choice Act. Our procedures are not dependent upon a single staff person or two. We have an amazing staff in place and many experienced office temps and vote center managers as we prepare to make voting easy and safe for all our citizens in Nevada County who are lawfully ready and able to vote. In an abundance of caution, we will be adding additional vendor support for election day activities including tabulating and reporting results.
We also receive invaluable support from the county. Nevada County has a comprehensive cybersecurity program and team of analysts in place. Systems are in place to monitor and provide insight into malicious activities. Staff coordinates with federal and state agencies and follow best practices and recommendations as identified.
Let me make it clear: in Nevada County your vote—your ballot—is safe. Whether you vote in person at one of our Vote Centers or mark your ballot in the privacy of your home and then drop it in the U.S. Mail or an official ballot drop box or return it directly to Nevada County Elections, that vote will be counted by your Elections Department exactly as you—and only you—cast it.
Diaz’ reassurances come one business day before ballots are mailed to 70,872 registered voters. [source: Secretary of State report of registration on Sept. 4, 2020]
The Nevada County Voter Information Guide has already been delivered to most registered voters. On page 10, it erroneously refers to the primary election date, March 3, 2020 instead of November 3, 2020.
Early voting starts on Monday at the Elections Office, 8am – 5pm from Monday to Friday until October 23rd. After that, the elections office will be open for voting seven days a week.
Ballot Tracking Available
Tracking your vote-by-mail ballot—when it is mailed, received, and counted—has never been easier. The California Secretary of State is now offering Where’s My Ballot? Where’s My Ballot? lets voters know where their ballot is, and its status, every step of the way. Sign-up at WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov to receive automatic email, SMS (text), or voice call notifications about your ballot.
Check if your vote-by-mail ballot has been received at https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov.
Wow, just wow. Go in person. That’s all I’m going to say.