In a recent government meeting focused on election integrity, significant discussions emerged regarding the qualifications of candidates for the role of Registrar of Voters (ROV) in the county. A key point of contention was the candidacy of Clint Curtis, who was criticized for his lack of understanding of California election law, particularly concerning the newly enacted AB 969. This legislation prohibits manual vote counting in precincts with over 1,000 registered voters, raising concerns about the feasibility and cost of implementing Curtis's proposal for two cameras per precinct across the county's 60 precincts.

Supporters of Joanna Francisco, another candidate for the ROV position, argued that her extensive knowledge of state election law makes her the most qualified candidate. They expressed fears that Curtis could pose a liability due to his proposed measures, which they believe do not align with the realities of the county's voting practices, where the majority of ballots are mailed in rather than counted at precincts.

The meeting also highlighted a broader movement for election reform, with citizen observers advocating for changes in the election office over the past two and a half years. However, tensions arose as some attendees criticized Francisco's perceived sense of entitlement to the position, arguing that public service should be earned through merit rather than tenure.

Concerns were raised about the integrity of the election process, with one speaker emphasizing that every vote counts, especially in close elections where margins can be razor-thin. The discussions underscored the ongoing debate over election transparency and the qualifications necessary for overseeing the electoral process in the county.