Residents of Orange County gather to contribute their thoughts at a voter feedback workshop.
Orange County is launching workshops to gather public feedback on improving the election process. Led by the county’s registrar of voters, these workshops focus on polling locations, accessibility, and outreach programs. Voters can share their experiences and suggestions to help shape the Election Administration Plan. The workshops will be a mix of general sessions and language-specific meetings, promoting inclusivity. Feedback will guide the development of the plan for 2026-2030, ensuring it meets community needs.
Orange County is set to launch a series of workshops beginning Saturday, July 12, aimed at gathering public feedback on the election process in an effort to enhance the Election Administration Plan (EAP). The initiative, led by the county’s registrar of voters, focuses on key areas such as polling and ballot drop box locations, accessibility at polling stations, language access, and voting outreach programs.
The workshops will provide a platform for voters to share their experiences and suggestions. Participants will be able to engage in discussions about various aspects of the election process, contributing to a plan that addresses community needs and preferences. This effort is part of a commitment to involve voters in shaping the electoral landscape of Orange County.
Bob Page, the registrar of voters, emphasized the importance of voter input, stating that these workshops aim to cultivate broader community involvement in refining the EAP before it is revised. The feedback will play a crucial role in ensuring that the plan reflects the diverse needs of the population.
The workshops are categorized into general public sessions and accessibility language workshops. General sessions allow any voter to provide feedback, while accessibility language workshops specifically cater to non-English speakers, ensuring they have the opportunity to contribute. Translators will be available for languages including Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese, Farsi, Tagalog, Japanese, and Hindi at select events, promoting inclusivity.
Attendees will have various options to express their opinions, whether by speaking at designated stations or writing down their feedback. This multi-faceted approach aims to gather a wide range of insights on how to enhance the electoral experience in Orange County.
The initial feedback collection is scheduled to conclude in the first week of August. Afterward, summaries of the collected feedback will be made available online. This information will inform the drafting of the new EAP for the period of 2026-2030, which must be submitted to the Secretary of State by December 1, 2023. This deadline is particularly significant as it is set to coincide with the legal requirement of having the final draft completed 120 days before the June 2026 primary election.
Following the publication of the first draft, there will be a 14-day public review period to allow for further community insights. An additional public hearing is scheduled for September 25 at Irvine City Hall, where residents can voice their thoughts regarding the forthcoming changes.
This feedback initiative aligns with the Voters Choice Act, which mandates a public forum for feedback whenever substantial changes are made to the EAP. The upcoming updates to the plan will take into account federal and state laws, lessons learned from previous elections, best practices in electoral administration, and budgeting considerations.
To further enhance outreach, over 250 organizations have been invited to facilitate small meetings and discussions related to voter engagement and the electoral process in Orange County.
The workshops will be held at various locations, providing numerous opportunities for participation. Notable sessions include:
Further information and feedback forms for those who wish to contribute can be accessed on the registrar’s website. This community-driven approach underscores Orange County’s commitment to a more accessible and responsive electoral process.
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