Posted by Camille DeVaul | Jun 14, 2022
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — The County Clerk Recorder’s office has created a timeline outlining the process they go through to count votes from the primary elections and answers some frequently asked questions.
The county received approximately 42,000 Vote by Mail (VBM) ballots. Here is the timeline for VBM in the primary election:
April 28: Every household with an active registered voter was mailed the State Voter Information Guide. This guide provided information that pertained to Federal and State offices, candidates, dates and deadlines.
May 9: Every active, registered voter (approximately 186,000) was mailed a Vote-By-Mail ballot, along with the County Voter Information Guide and a postage paid return envelope.
May 9: SLO County Elections opened their front counters Monday – Friday in both the San Luis Obispo and Atascadero locations to better assist those needing to register to vote, update their voter registration information, provide voters with a replacement ballot, and allow voters to put their ballot in the ballot box.
May 18: Election staff began processing of VBM ballots received thus far.
May 21: (Saturday), SLO County Elections opened their offices to provide voters an additional day to receive all of the opportunities they would receive if coming during the weekday.
June 4: (Saturday), same opportunities they would receive if coming during the weekday.
June 6: approximate number of VBM’s received to date 46,000. * This number does not equate to VBM’s counted.
June 7: Election Day — Turnout at the polls 2,366 voters. VBM’s returned at the polls, by mail, drop box or in-person was approximately 48,000. There were more VBM’s turned in in a 24-hour period than there were the 28-days leading up to election day.
How votes are counted:
What about the VBM ballots received after Election Day?
What does it mean to “process” the VBM envelopes and ballots?
Elaina Cano, County Clerk-Recorder, explained that processing the VBM ballots takes a significant amount of time. This process is based on accuracy, not speed. This process includes, scanning every VBM envelope, verifying every voter’s signature, checking the ballot (1 ballot = 2 cards) for identifiable marks and/or damage to the ballot itself.
With this election’s ballot being 2-cards, the number of cards to be processed, counted and adjudicated is all doubled. Depending on the number of staff available and the number of ballots that need to be adjudicated, election staff may process approximately 2,000 – 4,000 ballots and count approximately 6,000 ballots = 12,000 cards.
Although the adjudication process allows for efficient processing of ballots that require resolution of voter intent, it is the most time-consuming. This process requires a team of two to make the determinations. There can be up to four-teams adjudicating at once. If ever there is a question of voter intent, election management staff is called to make a determination. If no determination can be made, the voter’s choice is accepted as is. All ballots needing adjudication must be processed before any results can be published. Once this process is completed, new results are posted. Updates are posted at the conclusion of the counting of ballots for the day at slovote.com.
The County Clerk-Recorder has until July 7 to conclude the canvass and certify the election.
The public is welcome to observe all of the canvass processes, which are held at the San Luis Obispo Election’s office in the County Government Center located at 1055 Monterey St, Rm D120. Due to a limited amount of space however, observers may be required to observe on a rotating basis to allow everyone access. Counting will resume on Tuesday, June 14, at 9 a.m.
If anyone has questions, please contact the Elections Division at (805) 781-5228.
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