Orange County, CA Elections Releases Report on Election Planning under COVID-19

As a result of COVID-19, all election operations and voter outreach have been evaluated and modifications have been made for public health and safety.

SANTA ANA, CA – July 28, 2020 – In consideration of the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Registrar of Voters has released a report on what changes and procedures will be implemented for the November 3, 2020 Presidential General Election. These changes will be put in place as a result of COVID-19 so that in-person voting can be conducted safely and securely. California law requires that in-person voting be provided for the Presidential General Election.

Knowing that the situation can change rapidly, the Registrar of Voters is taking proactive approaches and preparations and sharing information with the public and other jurisdictions to aid in their planning. The report covers a broad spectrum of election planning, including:

Candidate filing
Recruitment
Training
Services for voters with disabilities
Language assistance services

Vote-by-mail voting
Vote Center locations
Ballot drop box locations
Post-election audits

The Registrar of Voters made key decisions to pivot quickly as the pandemic expanded and began acquiring personal protective equipment in response to COVID-19. Examples of changes due to COVID-19 include enhancing e-filing options for candidates, for Vote Center Customer Service Representatives to complete a significant portion of their training online and leveraged technology to create remote public election observation opportunities.

In addition, each in-person voting location will have detailed plans for disinfecting, maintaining physical distance, and will have personal protective equipment and increased signage on-site.

Quote by Registrar of Voters Neal Kelley:

"My priority is to provide safe voting options for all voters and safe working environments for our staff amid COVID-19. Whether a voter prefers to vote at home or in-person at a Vote Center, every effort will be made to ensure they have a positive experience that promotes health and safety.” He continued, “Voters should consider voting safely at home using the ballot they will receive in the mail prior to the election”.

The COVID-19 Election Response Report can be viewed in the Election Library at ocvote.com/election-library.

All voters will receive a ballot for the November 3, 2020 Presidential General Election for safe and convenient voting at home. Voters can check their registration, re-register, and register to vote at ocvote.com. For more information, call 714-567-7600 or visit ocvote.com.