Clerk‑Recorder details record turnout services, Real ID demand and ranked‑choice voting preparations

Juan Pablo Cervantes, Humboldt County Clerk‑Recorder and Registrar of Voters, told the board the office has been busy with a mix of record‑keeping, public service innovations and election work.

Daily operations and records: Cervantes said staff has completed the AB 1466 restrictive covenant modification work to remove discriminatory language from older deeds, progressed a records preservation project, enhanced building security, and launched a public outreach effort about County parks as wedding venues after an active Valentine’s Day set of ceremonies.

Elections work and voter engagement: Cervantes reported the county managed its highest commercial passenger service year at the airport (presented elsewhere) and on elections noted a sustained increase in Real ID and certificate requests. He said the office is preparing for ranked‑choice voting in the City of Eureka — hosting tabletop exercises with the vendor, the Secretary of State, Rank Choice Voting Resource Center and Disability Rights California — and is producing a public video explaining the ballot life cycle with Access Humboldt.

Outreach and programming: Cervantes described an “I Voted” ballot art contest for county residents (18+ and under 18 categories) and plans for additional community engagement during elections. He said the office will continue collaboration with the Secretary of State and voting system vendor to refine procedures.

Ending: Cervantes thanked staff and county partners and said the office plans to continue public outreach, ranked‑choice preparation and transparency efforts in upcoming election cycles.