As the November elections approach, the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters held a media day on the 16th, unveiling a series of measures designed to ensure election security, voter participation, and fairness throughout the electoral process.
During the event, Santa Clara County Assistant Sheriff Ricardo Urena emphasized that the top priority for law enforcement is to guarantee voters can exercise their right to vote in an environment free from threats and disruptions. He stated that officers will be patrolling continuously to maintain public safety, particularly during peak times of the election period. “Any attempt to interfere with the election will be met with severe consequences,” Urena warned.
He also urged community members to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement.
Acting Election Officer Matt Moreles noted that over a million voters are already registered to participate in this election, marking the highest number of registered voters in history for Santa Clara County. He anticipates that voter turnout could reach or exceed 80% to 85%.
Moreles outlined the various ways voters can cast their ballots. Voters have the option to participate by mail, in person at polling centers, or by utilizing the numerous drop boxes established throughout Santa Clara County. He mentioned that mail-in ballots were sent out to all active voters last week. Voters simply need to place their completed ballots into the prepaid return envelope. Additionally, more than 100 official ballot drop boxes in the county are open 24/7, allowing voters to submit their ballots at their convenience.
He also stressed the importance of cybersecurity. All election technology and voting equipment have been nationally certified and rigorously tested to ensure they function correctly and accurately. The entire ballot counting system is isolated from external networks, ensuring data security. Moreover, every aspect of the voting process is open to the public, allowing voters to witness ballot counting and signature verification, which enhances the transparency of the election.
Moreles reminded voters of some critical dates. October 21 is the last day to register to vote. Unregistered voters need to complete their registration by this date to receive their mail-in ballots. However, he pointed out that even if they miss this deadline, voters can still register conditionally and submit provisional ballots. On Election Day, November 5, all polling centers in the county will be open from 7 AM to 8 PM, providing voters the opportunity to choose the most convenient time and location to cast their votes.
