Kern County supervisors face public outcry over election mismanagement and toxic work environment

The Kern County Board of Supervisors held a significant meeting on January 28, 2025, addressing critical issues surrounding the county's elections management and the performance of the Registrar of Voters (ROV) office. The meeting featured public comments highlighting serious concerns about personnel grievances, high turnover rates, and allegations of a toxic work environment within the elections department.

During the meeting, it was reported that 13 employees had left the ROV office, primarily due to the alleged toxic atmosphere. Public speakers expressed frustration over the office's refusal to engage with citizens and attend committee meetings, as well as its failure to provide complete voter data in response to requests. The department has faced multiple lawsuits related to election management errors, raising questions about its operational integrity.

Concerns were also raised about the mismanagement of voter rolls, with an estimated 77,000 names needing removal, of which 34,000 remain unaddressed. The lack of adequate staffing to maintain accurate voter rolls and election materials was cited as a significant issue affecting the department's efficiency.

Several community members urged the Board to rescind Ordinance G 6050, which consolidates the roles of the auditor-controller, registrar of voters, and county clerk. They argued that this consolidation has led to inefficiencies and a lack of accountability within the elections department. Public comments emphasized the need for transparency and independent audits, suggesting that the current leadership structure is inadequate for addressing the challenges faced by the ROV office.

In response to these concerns, the Board discussed recommendations from its standing committee on finance and administration regarding potential organizational changes for the ROV function. The committee proposed improvements aimed at enhancing the department's operations and accountability. Additionally, the Board considered pursuing legislative changes to election laws at both state and federal levels to address systemic issues.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the Board to work collaboratively with community members and the county administrative office to implement necessary changes and improve the elections process in Kern County. The discussions underscored the importance of governance and accountability in maintaining public trust in the electoral system.