Ventura County Supervisors Form Election Advisory Committee Amid Election Integrity Concerns

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors meeting on August 26, 2025, focused heavily on election integrity and the formation of a new Election Advisory Committee. The discussions were sparked by recent statements from former President Trump regarding potential changes to federal election processes, including a push to eliminate mail-in ballots and controversial voting machines.

During the meeting, several speakers expressed concerns about the readiness of the Board of Supervisors and the Registrar of Voters to adapt to these anticipated changes. A key question raised was whether contingency plans were in place for the upcoming 2026 elections, particularly in light of Trump's proposed executive orders. The urgency of these discussions was emphasized, as mail-in ballots are set to be distributed in January 2026.

Debbie Cohen, one of the speakers, highlighted the importance of the newly formed Election Advisory Committee, emphasizing that trust and security in elections are critical, nonpartisan issues. She referenced a recent poll indicating that a significant portion of California voters lack confidence in the integrity of the election system, with many supporting measures such as proof of citizenship for voter registration.

James Greenfield and other speakers echoed the need for transparency and nonpartisan evaluation of election processes. They called for expert presentations to inform the committee's work and ensure that the election system is secure and trustworthy. Concerns were raised about the long-term contract with Dominion Voting Systems, which some speakers deemed problematic, urging the committee to scrutinize this agreement closely.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of the Election Advisory Committee to address the rapidly changing voting landscape and to prepare for upcoming elections. The Board of Supervisors is expected to take further steps to ensure that election integrity is maintained in Ventura County, responding to both public concerns and federal directives.