Purpose of the election observer panel
- Provides an avenue for public observation of the election process.
- Assists in ensuring the integrity of the election process.
- Encourages participation and builds voter confidence in the election process.
- Provides feedback to the Registrar of Voters.
General rules for observers
The dates and times vote centers are open varies by location. On Election Day, all vote centers are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Observers may observe vote center set-up before the vote centers open, all activities while the vote centers are open, and vote center closing procedures. Following are guidelines for observers.
- All observers must check in with the Vote Center Coordinator at the vote center.
- No eating or drinking is allowed in the work areas. Water is OK.
- No talking on cell phones inside the vote center.
- No photos, videotaping or filming within 100 feet of the vote center entrance and inside the vote center.
- No campaign buttons, signs, literature, or other forms of electioneering are allowed within 100 feet of the vote center entrance.
- An observer’s function is to observe procedures at the vote center. Observers cannot assist in operations, touch or handle any ballots or other election-related materials, challenge actions by vote center workers, or sit at an official table.
- Direct all questions to the Vote Center Coordinator.
- Avoid physical contact with elections staff.
- Hold discussions and conversations with other observers outside of the vote center.
- Report problems with observation activities or concerns about procedures to the Registrar of Voters at 415-473-6456 or email the Elections Department.
- All observers must check in with an election official at the receiving center.
- No talking on cell phones inside the receiving center.
- An observer’s function is to observe procedures. Observers cannot assist in operations or touch or handle any election-related materials.
- Direct all questions to the vote center coordinator or call the Elections Department.
- Avoid physical contact with election staff.
- Hold discussions and conversations with other observers outside of the receiving center area.
- Report problems with observation activities or concerns about procedures to the Registrar of Voters at 415-473-6456 or email the Elections Department.
Invitations
Prepare an Election Fact Sheet which includes observer opportunities with dates of key activities for the upcoming election. Distribute to Election Advisory Committee, City/Town Clerks, and post on Registrar of Voters website.
Between E-60 and E-40, send invitations to participate on the Logic and Accuracy Board/Observer Panel to the following organizations:
- Marin County Grand Jury
- League of Women Voters
Introduction to vote center workers and appointment letters
Marin County’s formal Observer Panel is composed of members of the Logic and Accuracy Board and other interested organizations. The Registrar of Voters sends appointment letters to all members of this board and other individuals who wish to observe the election, and provides
- Letter of introduction to Vote Center Coordinator of vote centers,
- List of vote center addresses within the county,
- Election Observer Guidelines,
- Name Badge, and
- Observer Feedback Form.
Mechanism for feedback
The Department provides questionnaires for observers to fill out for each vote center they visit on Election Day. The questionnaire provides feedback to election official.
Notice to media
The Registrar of Voters provides information about election night vote counting activities to news media through a news advisory.
Reporters, camera crews, and other members of the media are allowed as long as they have express permission from the Registrar of Voters, follow the rules set forth by our office, and do not interfere with or disrupt the election process. Please check in with the front desk if at our main office or with the vote center manager on location. The media is not permitted to take close-up pictures or video footage of ballots or any voters’ personal identifying information.
To maintain voter privacy and respect for religious beliefs, media are expected to ask voters for their permission to use their image for any news reports. If a voter does not wish to be photographed or filmed, please honor the voter’s wishes.
Meet with observers
The Registrar and Assistant Registrar meet with the appointed Logic and Accuracy Board/Observer panel members from the Marin County League of Women Voters and the Marin County Grand Jury to conduct the Logic and Accuracy test and explain election observer responsibilities. All members of the public are welcome.
Public notice of vote counting
No later than 10 days prior to the election, the Registrar of Voters publishes a legal notice notifying the public of the addresses of all vote centers in the county and the location of the central count site for mail ballots. The Registrar of Voters will post a notice on our website homepage at least five days in advance notifying the public of the time and place of the one percent manual tally, and time and place of selection of precincts to be tallied.
County information
County of Marin Registrar of Voters:
- Natalie Adona
Ballot tabulation system information:
- Liberty Vote Voting System:
- ImageCast Central
- ImageCastX ballot marking device