Humboldt County Seeks Public Input on Draft Election Administration Plan

Press release from the Humboldt County Office of Elections:

The Humboldt County Office of Elections is seeking input from Humboldt County voters on the county’s updated draft Election Administration Plan (EAP). This important plan describes how the county will conduct its upcoming elections, so voter feedback is essential.

Background

In 2023 the County of Humboldt transitioned to the California Voter’s Choice Act (VCA) elections format and finalized the 2023 Election Administration Plan.

Approved by California lawmakers in 2016, and established by Senate Bill 450, the VCA expands voters’ options for how, when and where they cast their ballots by:

• Mailing every voter a ballot
• Expanding in-person early voting
• Allowing voters to cast a ballot at any vote center within the county
• Providing secure ballot drop off locations throughout the county

Under California law, the Office of Elections is required to submit an updated EAP that describes how the County of Humboldt will administer elections under the VCA. To ensure the revised plan serves the community effectively, the Elections Office is committed to engaging with voters and gathering public input on the draft plan.

The county’s draft EAP can be reviewed at humboldtgov.org/VotersChoiceAct.

Public Comment

Public comment on the draft EAP will be accepted until Friday, April 25 at noon. Feedback can be submitted through an online submission form, by email at humboldt_elections@co.humboldt.ca.us or over the phone at 707-445-7481.

Public Hearing

The Registrar of Voters will hold a public hearing to discuss the draft EAP on Thursday, May 15 from 6 to 8 p.m.at Arcata City Hall in the Council Chamber, located at 736 F St. in Arcata. Community members are invited to participate in person or on Zoom to share their input. More information on the public hearing will be provided on the Office of Elections website.

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access to all county programs, services and activities through the provision of accommodations for individuals with qualified disabilities as required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).With 72 hours prior notice, a request for reasonable accommodation for the public meeting can be made by calling 707-445-7481.

For more information on the Voter’s Choice Act, please visit the California Voter’s Choice Act website.

For more information on the draft Election Administration Plan, please contact the Humboldt County Office of Elections at 707-445-7481 or email humboldt_elections@co.humboldt.ca.us.

About the Humboldt County Office of Elections

The Humboldt County Office of Elections is committed to ensuring all eligible residents have an opportunity to exercise their right to vote; conducting elections in a fair, accurate, and efficient manner; and providing reliable information and the best possible service to voters, districts, candidates, and other interested parties. For more information, visit humboldtgov.org/elections.