Governor Newsom issued an
Executive Order requiring counties to send vote-by-mail
ballots for the November election to all registered voters, while
also retaining options for in-person voting opportunities. The
order will ensure that all registered voters have a chance to
vote without risking their health by congregating at polling
places.
The details around how in-person options will be implemented have
yet to be worked out, and the Governor’s press statement holds
out the possibility of future executive orders on that issue, if
counties do not yet have clarity by May 30. In-person voting
options will be important for many types of voters, including
those with language needs and those with disabilities.
The order, along with statements from the Governor, the Secretary
of State, and the chairs of the Senate and Assembly committees
governing election policy, are noticeably silent on the question
of how the costs of this order will be paid. The final costs
resulting from this Order will depend significantly on what type,
and how many, in-person voting opportunities will need to be
available. The Governor’s May Revision notes that the state has
$36.3 million of funding from the CARES Act available to pay for
costs associated with voting by mail and related needs, but
does not indicate how he plans to use the funds. Counties that
have adopted the vote-center model already have equipment at each
vote center that is able to print a ballot for any registered
voter in the county. Other counties might need to procure the
necessary equipment in advance of November’s election.
Other factors that will require careful thought and planning by
county officials include polling places and poll workers.
Historically, most poll workers have been in the age range that
is at high-risk for complications due to COVID-19. Likewise, many
of the most reliable polling places are located at community
gathering places—such as community centers, schools, and
churches. While the fact that they are gathering places has been
a benefit in the past, social distancing requirements could
affect their willingness to continue as polling places.
The more in-person voting locations are available, the smaller
the crowds—and the health risk—will be at each one. However, the
greater the number of locations, the more staffing and special
equipment counties will need to provide. Finding the balancing
point between those interests will be the aim as negotiations
continue over the coming weeks.
