Alameda County certifies Nov. 5 election amid public pressure on registrar of voters

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 10 voted to accept the certified results of the Nov. 5 election while hearing extended public criticism of the county Registrar of Voters’ office.

County staff asked the board to declare elected candidates and accept certified statements of results for contests under the board’s jurisdiction. The board moved item 48 and opened the floor to public comment before taking a roll-call vote that approved certification.

Multiple members of the public urged the board to address perceived transparency problems at the Registrar of Voters. "Our registrar of voters has not been transparent," said one speaker from the Election Integrity Team of Alameda County, citing delays in release of cast-vote records and restricted observer access. Edward Escobar, who identified himself as founder of Citizens Unite, told the board "Tim Dupuis is not providing or facilitating this process to make it better" and called for personnel action; the board characterized personnel concerns as appropriate for closed session review.

Other speakers asked the board to consider reforms such as separating ROV and information-technology oversight, auditing election procedures and improving communication with city clerks. Some speakers thanked ROV staff for accurate manual counts in close local races.

In response, the board said it heard the concerns and would examine oversight options. President Miley said the board will continue to work with the Elections Commission and seek improvements, but that personnel matters would be addressed in closed session. The motion to certify the election carried on a roll-call vote.