Election officials will consider whether Fresno County should update the way it conducts elections.
Fresno County Clerk Brandi Orth will hold five public meetings this week presenting various options. She will also explain the options to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday (Feb. 12).
Expanding Pilot Program
Five counties, including Madera County, experimented with new ways to vote in the past election as part of the Voter’s Choice Act passed by the state Legislature.
Some of these options include mailing ballots to every voter, operating 50 early voting centers anywhere from four to 10 days, and installing 30 ballot drop boxes.
The Madera Tribune reported that November’s Madera County turnout of 68% was the highest midterm total in 20 years.
“The advances of technology, and the behaviors of voters, have caused the traditional polling place model to fall behind the needs and expectations of the voter,” Fresno County analyst Yussel Zalapa wrote in a staff report to the board.
The Nov. 2018 election in Fresno County saw a 56% turnout. Of those who voted, 60% did so by mail.
The Fresno Bee’s Rory Appleton reported on Madera’s experience and what the future might hold for Fresno last month.
Five Public Meetings
The meeting schedule, as provided by the clerk’s office:
Wednesday, February 13, 2019, 2:00 p.m.
Kerman Community Center, 15101 W. Kearney Blvd., Kerman 93630.
Wednesday, February 13, 2019, 6:00 p.m.
Sanger Seniors Citizen Center, 730 Recreation Avenue, Sanger 93657.
Friday, February 15, 2019, 2:00 p.m.
Clovis Veterans Memorial Building, 808 4th Street, Clovis, 93612.
Friday, February 15, 2019, 6:00 p.m.
West Fresno Regional Center, 142 W. California Avenue, Fresno, 93706.
Saturday, February 16, 2019, 10:00 a.m.
Fresno County Elections Training Facility, 4525 E. Hamilton Avenue, Fresno, 93702.
