During the Riverside County Board of Supervisors regular meeting on April 2, 2024, significant concerns regarding the handling and counting of mail-in ballots were raised by community members. The discussions highlighted issues related to ballot postmarking, late arrivals, and the transparency of the electoral process, which have implications for voter trust and election integrity.

One of the primary speakers, Debbie Walsh, expressed alarm over the discovery of numerous mail-in ballots that were postmarked on time but not counted due to late arrival at the Registrar of Voters (ROV) office. Walsh emphasized that these ballots, which she estimated could number in the thousands, were effectively "hidden" and called for the Board of Supervisors to delay certifying the election until all valid ballots were counted. She argued that every voter has the right to have their vote counted, especially if they mailed their ballot on time.

Art Tinoco, the Riverside County Registrar of Voters, responded to these concerns by explaining the legal framework governing mail-in ballots. He noted the "postmark plus 7" law, which allows ballots postmarked by election day to be counted if received within seven days afterward. However, he confirmed that approximately 5,000 ballots had arrived late and could not be processed under current regulations. Tinoco assured attendees that late ballots are meticulously reviewed to confirm their status.

Veronica Langworthy, representing the Riverside Election Integrity Team, further elaborated on the challenges of tracking ballots through the postal system. She highlighted discrepancies between the number of ballots billed by the USPS and those counted by the ROV in previous elections, raising questions about the chain of custody and transparency in the electoral process. Langworthy's comments underscored a broader concern about public trust in the electoral system, particularly in light of inconsistent information from the USPS and the ROV.

The meeting also featured inquiries about the Board's role in certifying election results. Yvette Anthony questioned the level of oversight the Board exercises over the ROV's final reconciliation of ballots, pointing to past discrepancies between USPS billing and ROV counts. This inquiry reflects ongoing community concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the need for greater accountability.

In conclusion, the discussions at the Riverside County Board of Supervisors meeting revealed significant community anxiety regarding mail-in ballot handling and counting procedures. As the Board prepares to certify the election, the calls for transparency and accountability highlight the critical need for public confidence in the electoral process. The Board's response to these concerns will be pivotal in addressing voter trust and ensuring that every valid vote is counted.