The San Joaquin County Election Advisory Committee convened on January 9, 2025, to discuss various operational aspects of the recent election, including the unexpected visit from the Department of Justice (DOJ) and challenges faced during the voting process.

During the meeting, committee members shared their experiences with the DOJ representatives who arrived unannounced to observe the election process. Two DOJ officials, one from California and the other from Washington, D.C., conducted inquiries about the voting machines and procedures. The visit was described as part of a routine federal poll watcher program, with the county being randomly selected for inspection. The committee noted that the DOJ's presence was unique, as they were the only county in California to receive such attention.

The discussion highlighted several operational challenges encountered during the election. Committee members reported issues with equipment, including printers and scanners, which caused delays and complications. Notably, there was a significant influx of new voters, with approximately 30 to 40 individuals registering on the day of the election. This surge contributed to longer wait times, as the process for registering new voters was time-consuming and impacted the overall flow of voters.

Additionally, the committee raised concerns about the verification of provisional voters and the need for better tracking systems to ensure the integrity of the voting process. Suggestions included having dedicated personnel to assist with new voter registrations to streamline operations and reduce congestion at polling sites.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of addressing equipment reliability and improving voter registration processes to enhance future elections. The committee plans to follow up on the DOJ's findings and recommendations in subsequent meetings.