Riverside
The Riverside Country Registrar of Voters (Registrar) has planned to convene an Election Observer Panel to observe activities associated with the Consolidated Primary Election scheduled for June 5, 2018.
According to Registrar officials, the purpose of the Election Observer Panel is multifaceted. It will provide the public with the opportunity to observe and make suggestions on ways to improve the election process. It will also help ensure the integrity of the election process while at the same time, removing some of the mystery associated with the election process. The Observer Panel is an official effort to help build voter confidence and encourage more people to take part in the process.
In support of this effort, the County Registrar will conduct a pre-election orientation session on Thursday, May 3 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the Registrar of Voters Office, 2724 Gateway Drive, Riverside. Anyone interested in participating in the pre-election orientation should contact Candice Gordon at (951) 486-7330.
California Government Code section 12172.5 empowers the Secretary of State to require elections officials to file reports on elections in their jurisdictions. As a part of the voting system approval process, each county is required to develop an Election Observer Panel Plan that provides people with the opportunity to observe the local elections process. Below is a template the Secretary of State provided to counties to help them develop their plans, followed by the plan submitted by each county elections official.
Those who volunteer to serve as observers may not interfere in the judgment of the elections officials, nor with the conduct of the election. They are prohibited from physically handling any voting materials or equipment. They will not be allowed to sit at the official worktables or view confidential voter information on any work terminal. In addition, observers are prohibited from communicating with voters (within 100 feet of the entrance to a polling place) about their vote or speak to a voter regarding his or her qualifications to vote.
Among other restrictions, observers are prohibited from displaying any election material or wearing campaign badges, buttons or apparel, nor can they wear the uniform of a peace officer, a private guard, or security personnel.