100+ things you need to think about when implementing Vote Centers!
Today is an exciting time in our state as we come together under the statewide initiative to modernize elections for California's citizens.
By 2020 nearly every County in California will be operating Vote Centers. My new whitepaper 100+ Things to Think About When Implementing Vote Centers offers a roadmap for counties seeking to create more voting opportunities and choices.
This whitepaper describes the requirements for operating a vote center under The California Voter’s Choice Act (The Act). The Act is a California election law requiring election officials to mail a Vote by Mail (VBM) ballot to all voters at the election. Election officials are required to replace polling places with a certain minimum number of ballot Drop Off Locations (DOL) and Vote Centers (VCs). The Act potentially affects 14 pilot counties who may opt-in and use the provisions of SB 450 starting in 2018. All counties except for Los Angeles must use the provisions of The Act beginning in 2020. Los Angeles County can phase in the use of DOLs and VCs, but may not mail a ballot to all voters until the elections after 2020.
The voters have the choice to vote and return their ballot by mail, drop off their voted ballot at any ballot DOL within the state starting 28 days prior to Election Day (E-28), or vote in person at any VC within the county starting at up to E-10. VCs are open on Election Day, and every day during the period of time between E-10 and Election Day.
Each VC must be able to perform certain voter related services including Conditional Voter Registration (CVR), the drop off voted VBM ballots, issuing replacement VBM ballots, accepting surrendered VBM ballots, issuing provisional ballots, or voting a ballot in-person.
Vote Centers
Transitioning to Vote Centers is challenging. Ross Underwood's approach to this transition is based on custom election software for your voter registration needs. Integration of your voter registration database with third party products like text tracking systems, VBM envelope scan and sort equipment.
A plan to implement SB 450 "The Voter Choice Act" in the State of California.
Use my outline to organize your thoughts and develop the draft plan required by law. Better yet, hire Ross Underwood to develop and manage your plan. The costs may be fully recoverable under SB 450!
Download the plan here Draft Plan The Voters Choice Act of 2016. Or contact Ross Underwood for a copy of the plan as a fully editable word document!
You need a well thought out approach to the shift from polling places to early voting centers. The law requires dozens of details and requirements. If you are one of the 14 California pilot counties to fully implement the law in 2018, you have a deadline to publish your draft plan no later than May 2017. If you are not one of the pilot counties, it is not too early to plan! Consider a blended approach, and begin using voting centers in 2018. Your county could gain experience and insight before full implementation.
For updates to the plan, keep watching this site, or follow me on social media clicking the links below to follow. Take action soon and experience the benefits of this new law at the earliest opportunity!
Text Response
Text response systems save you time and money by reducing the calls to your office. Text "Track" to (555) 555-1234 to initiate this service. Voters receive a text at every ballot stop in the process.
Software and Election Services
Put Ross Underwood's software and election expertise to work for your office. Expertise in SQL Server, Crystal Reports, Integration Services, and modern election management principles and practices.
Since 1993
Here to Help Election Officials
Ross has always considered himself a public servant. He is passionate about elections and voter service.
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