GRASS VALLEY, Calif. September 27, 2018 – Steven Slack, a candidate for one of the two seats on the Grass Valley City Council, misstated his voting record last night when he claimed to have voted in every election since he turned 18. He did register to vote in Nevada County in December 2017, however the Nevada County Elections Office has “no record of Mr. Slack voting in the June 2018 Primary Election.”
Ahead of the candidate forum, the current registration dates and voting history for all four candidates were obtained by us from the Nevada County Elections Office. Information contained in the voter roll is available to campaigns, political parties, scholars and journalists. The voting history does not record how a person votes, only if they voted or not in any given election. During the candidate forum organized by the League of Women Voters for the Grass Valley City Council candidates on Wednesday evening, all four candidates answered questions from the public and the media.
To the question “Did you vote in the primary election and what is your civic engagement at this time?” Steven Slack responded “I voted in every election since I gained the right of enfranchisement at 18 years of age, so yes I did vote in the primary. I’m relatively new to the city in terms of civic engagement and my engagement here is in discussion with you and the opportunity to serve you on the City Council.”
Incumbent Ben Aguilar stated he voted in the primary election and pointed to his service on the Planning Commission and the City Council. Bob Branstrom listed the citizens oversight committees for two local measures, adding he is active with non-profits and did vote in the primary election. Hilary Hodge stated she not only voted but ran in the primary election and remains active in numerous groups.
Monterey County Elections confirmed Mr. Slack voted in 2016 while domiciled officially in Carmel. Mr. Slack did not respond to requests by phone and email to clarify his statement by publication time.