News
Board Approves Formation of Independent Election Integrity Committee
RIVERSIDE (CNS) – The Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved establishing an Election Advisory Committee, composed of volunteers who will monitor Riverside County elections and solicit input from residents on what to improve in the interest of transparency and efficiency.
“There’s a perception that this committee is going to make dramatic changes in the way that elections are held, but we don’t have that authority,” Supervisor Kevin Jeffries said ahead of the 5-0 vote. “We can, with the help of citizens, improve the process. But the committee will only make recommendations. It’s a citizens’ committee to help us with the process. It’s a good start.”
The committee concept has been in the works since August, when the board first affirmed the need for an independent commission to meet each year to scrutinize election practices and come up with proposals that might ensure the integrity of operations during primary and general elections.
Jeffries first broached the idea of a standing independent election integrity committee in May 2020. It didn’t gain traction at the time, but he pressed the issue again last May, despite Registrar Rebecca Spencer’s position that a committee wasn’t needed since an observer panel was already available.
“What we have with the observer panel is a free-for-all,” Jeffries said at the time. “It’s whoever wants to show up and take over the room. We need structure … The November (2020) election showed exactly why having that extra layer of public trust in the system can be important, as the entire electoral process was called into question across the country.”
The new seven-member panel will include a chair, a designee from the Republican Party, a designee from the Democratic Party, a third-party designee hailing from whichever third party garnered the highest votes countywide in the most recent presidential election, a representative from the League of Women Voters, a representative from a local Hispanic nonpartisan community organization and an ex-officio rep from the county Executive Office.
Several residents addressed the board to contest the composition of the panel.
“This does not represent the voting makeup of citizens of Riverside County,” Jeannie Rivenbark said. “You need two members of the Republican Party, two members from the Democratic Party and two minor party members.”
She said the current single-person representation poses a risk of the committee being permanently tilted to the left.
“If you want meaningful reforms, get the best people you can get — the most talented,” Roy Bleckert told the board. “Don’t use establishment types who are only looking out for their group’s interests. That’s how we end up with the problems we have.”
When Jeffries advocated for an independent committee, he was joined by Supervisor Karen Spiegel, who acknowledged Tuesday that the panel concept as written wasn’t perfect, but provided an opportunity to ensure elections are “kept transparent.”
“Regardless of whether you believe in mail-in ballots or voter identification, as I personally do, those are policies we cannot overturn,” she said. “They’re state and federal rules. This was a means for Supervisor Jeffries and I to try to find a way to improve oversight.”
In an election year, such as the current one, the committee will be required to convene a minimum of five meetings, both ahead of and following the primary and general elections. In non-election years, the panel will only need to meet twice.
All meetings will be accessible via Zoom to encourage wide public participation.
The committee will report findings and concerns to the board, the Ad- Hoc Committee on Elections, the Executive Office and the Office of the Registrar of Voters.
Members will serve two-year terms and have the support of personnel from the Executive Office, Office of County Counsel and the registrar’s office.
Announcements regarding how to apply for membership were expected to be released soon by either the Executive Office or the Office of the Registrar of Voters.
Copyright 2022, City News Service, Inc.
By: Tiani Jadulang
March 29, 2022
Latest Instagram Posts
It’s more than just dancing — it’s fitness, confidence and community. A Coachella Valley dance studio is helping adults move their bodies, have fun and step into their power, one class at a time. And during Beyoncé’s birthday week, the energy was turned all the way up. “When in doubt, twerk it out.” See how VXN Worldwide Dance Company is getting the Valley moving — and building confidence along the way. Read more at NBCPalmSprings.com. #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Dance #Fitness #Community NBCPalmSprings
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What are you going to be for Halloween? 🎃
Labor Day traffic is picking up in Palm Springs. If you’re heading out, our Maria Noble Valdez has what you can expect on the roads here. Be sure to stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs and nbcpalmsprings.com for more Labor Day coverage #LaborDay #LaborDayTraffic #PalmSprings #TrafficUpdate #i10
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Cael Woody with the dot under pressure, 2) Tatum Webster with the pass breakup, 3) Ivan Garza with the rushing TD, 4) Sean Meza with the toe tap, or 5) Jesus. Valenzuela with the strong hands #fypage #fridaynightlights #top3 #hondaofthedesert
Me On A Plate is back! We head over to @tacquila_ps to talk to chef David Arreguin about his love of spice, being the seventh of nine children, and his drive to always follow his passion. Check it out now on our website nbcpalmsprings.com
Nearly a year after wildfires tore through Mountain Center, the scars are still visible along the Palms to Pines Highway. Now, fire crews are working to repair those burn areas and reduce the risk of flooding, erosion and mudslides when heavy rain arrives. The work includes fire-line suppression repairs, water bars and other measures designed to slow rainwater and keep burned soil from washing away. CAL FIRE Riverside County Battalion Chief Ryan Lubin says the steep terrain, dry brush and limited access continue to create challenges for mountain communities. With El Niño conditions expected to bring periods of heavy rain, officials say preparing now could help protect homes and communities from the aftermath of wildfire. The message from firefighters: preparation can save lives. Read the full story at NBCPalmSprings.com. #MountainCenter #Highway74 #PalmsToPines #CALFIRE #Wildfire WildfireRecovery FireSafety CoachellaValley SanJacintoMountains
Gas prices in Riverside County are climbing toward $6 a gallon — and that’s more than $1 higher than this time last year. A 15-gallon fill-up now costs about $86, leaving many drivers wondering how much longer they can absorb the rising cost. On this week’s Roggin Report, Fred Roggin and the panel debate how expensive gas is changing the way people travel, work and live — and why prices are so much higher here. Watch the full conversation at NBCPalmSprings.com. #RogginReport #FredRoggin #GasPrices #RiversideCounty #CoachellaValley
As the Lindsay Clancy trial begins to close, discussions regarding postpartum mental health and postpartum care have began to draw attention to the level of care needed after childbirth. Maria Noble Valdez looked at this discussion locally with a mental health expert and mom here in Coachella Valley. #lindsayclancytrial #pospartum #mentalhealth #760 #nationalnews
EVEN PARKING HAS A VIP SECTION? A mall in Bakersfield is charging shoppers up to $10 a day for preferred parking spots closer to the entrance. So we had to ask: Would you pay for a better parking spot? And could paid parking eventually come to Valley malls? Fred Roggin and the panel weigh in on this week’s Roggin Report. Would you pay $10 for a prime parking spot? #RogginReport #FredRoggin #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Parking
📞 Call 760.466.0800 or visit DAPHealth.org to schedule your appointment today! Flu viruses change every year, and getting vaccinated is the best way to strengthen your immune system, lower the risk of severe illness or hospitalization, and protect your loved ones. Sponsored by: DAP Health