While processing ballots received for the current election, Shasta County election officials are addressing a print issue that is impacting our ability to efficiently process ballots. We have addressed the problem and have pivoted in our ballot processing procedures to uphold the integrity of the election and ensure that every eligible ballot is accurately counted. It is unclear at this time how many of the nearly 117,000 ballots issued are affected by the error. To date, the Elections Office has already received about 32,500 ballots.
The identified problem is an issue with ink overspray on some ballots that is preventing our election equipment from processing those ballots. The error isn’t visible to the naked eye and did not come up in our pre-election testing. To ensure every vote is counted, we will review all affected ballots and duplicate ballots so they can be processed. This procedure is outlined in California Law and requires more steps but maintains the integrity of the election, and all steps will be carefully monitored to ensure accuracy and transparency.
The update in processes will not impact the voters as they cast their ballot. We want to encouraging voters to continue their plan for voting and return their ballot by 8pm on Election Day.
Our office is strongly encouraging anyone interested to observe the ballot processing at the Elections Office at 1643 Market St. Please contact our office to confirm the anticipated scheduled prior to arrival.
We’re thankful to our partners at Runbeck, Hart Intercivic, and the Secretary of State for helping us chart a path forward so that all votes will be counted accurately.
Again, we want to reassure the community that there is a robust plan in place to ensure all eligible ballots received are accurately counted before the certification deadline. Tom will be available at 10 am on October 31st to answer questions from the media. Please reach out to elections@shastacounty.gov to request an online meeting invitation. For further information about the election process or to inquire about observing ballot processing, please contact the Shasta County Elections Office at 530-225-5730 or visit elections.shastacounty.gov
