Election Observers
Elections are a public process, and transparency is an important part of ensuring voters have confidence in the accuracy and integrity of the election results. Please review our Election Observer Guidelines and contact our office before your visit.
Below are some of the aspects of the elections activities that are open for the public to observe. If you are interested in being an Election Observer, or to confirm scheduled activities, please e-mail elections@mono.ca.gov or call (760) 932-5537.
Touch Screen Ballot Marking Device Preparation and Testing
This is the loading of election data and comprehensive election logic and accuracy testing that ensures that each machine is securely programmed and prepared properly. Testing ensures the integrity of the vote-counting during the election.
Central Count Ballot Scanner/Tabulator (Pre-LAT Logic and Accuracy Testing)
The Central Count Ballot Scanner/Tabulator system is tested prior to each election by using a pre-marked set of test ballots.
Returned Vote by Mail Ballot Processing
The majority of ballots are expected to be processed within a week of Election Day. However, some VBM ballots will continue to be processed through the end of the canvass period.
Under state law, VBM ballots returned without the required voter signature on the return envelope can be corrected by the voter. An “Unsigned Ballot Statement” form is mailed to the voter to be completed and returned to the ROV.
If the signature on a VBM ballot return envelope does not match the voter’s registration records, a “Signature Update Statement” form is mailed to the voter. The voter must complete and return the form to the ROV.
Polling Place Locations
The public may observe the operation at any Polling Place on Election Day, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Polling Place Locations can be found on the "Where to Vote" page.
The public may observe the operation at the Early Voting Location during regular hours of operation from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Election Day, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Early Voting Location is located at 74 N. School Street, Bridgeport, CA 93517.
Election Night Ballot Receipt and Counting
The first Semifinal Official Election Results will be posted at approximately 9:00 p.m. Election Night, on the Registrar of Voters (ROV) website at www.monocounty.ca.gov/elections. This first report released by the ROV will include the results of Vote by Mail ballots and Precinct 3 ballots processed up to Election Day.
After the polls close at 8:00 p.m., results data from each Polling Place will be delivered by Couriers to the ROV Office, 74 N. School Street, Bridgeport, CA 93517, for central tabulation and reporting. The ROV will continue to process and report accumulated election results until all precincts have reported.
Updates of the semifinal official results issued throughout the canvass can be found on the ROV’s website until all steps of the canvass have been completed and results are certified.
Official Canvass
Pursuant to California Elections Code section 15301, the official canvass must start no later than the Thursday after the election.
The official canvass process is open to the public and must continue for at least 6 hours a day (Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays excepted) until completed. The ROV will extend work hours, including weekends and holidays, as needed.
The canvass includes, but is not limited to, the inspection of all materials and supplies; processing and counting valid Vote by Mail and Provisional ballots; counting valid write-in votes; and conducting the post-election manual recounts. Please contact the ROV regarding the anticipated schedule of specific activities if you are interested in a particular aspect of the canvass process.
After completing this process, the election results are then certified and made public. According to California Election Code section 15372, the Registrar of Voters must complete all steps of the canvass and certify the vote within 30 days of the election.
