Harry asks Gordon Clatworthy, Rex Bohn, Gerald McGuire…
Resources for Elections in Humboldt
Across the nation, elections offices are grappling with the dual challenges of increased workload and staff burnout, factors that have led to significant mistakes in some jurisdictions, such as the recent ballot issues in Mendicino County. These challenges underscore the importance of adequate funding and Supervisor support to maintain the integrity and efficiency of election processes.
As a candidate for the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, how do you plan to address and prioritize the funding needs of our Elections Office to mitigate the risks of burnout and prevent such mistakes? Can you provide specific commitments to ensuring that the Elections Office is well-equipped to handle the demands of upcoming elections without compromising on quality and accuracy.
— Harry
Response
Gordon Clatworthy
Firstly, thank you for raising that question. Elections are crucial to our democracy, and the errors in Mendocino County serve as reminders that even here in California, we can encounter issues. Mendocino County mistakenly mailed out ballots to all voters in the county, assuming they were registered as Republican voters in their first district. Subsequent mailings also contained errors. The distinction between our elections office and Mendocino’s lies in the fact that Mendocino utilized a third-party company for their mailings. I have confidence in our local election office, particularly with Juan Pablo Cervantes serving as our elected Recorder & Registrar of Voters. I believe Humboldt excels in electing capable leaders, and I trust that government operations offer more checks and balances against errors. This belief underpins my support for government-owned, non-market housing to prevent private companies from cutting corners for profit when addressing issues they are contracted to resolve. I have faith in our electoral process, and I trust that Juan Pablo Cervantes would address any needs within his department. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of stepping up to volunteer during the election season or applying for roles to assist during elections.
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