Vote Safe and a Little More in 2024

Part 1—Citizen Rights and Responsibilities

Our state and country are in an existential crisis. The divisiveness has never been worse since the Civil War.

The first step to changing this situation is to hear loudly the voice of ALL of the often-silent citizens.

• EVERY ELIGIBLE VOTER NEEDS TO VOTE!!
   
  • Every vote is vital. The election is about so much more than just the presidency. Local officials, whose contests are often decided by fewer than 100 votes, impact our everyday lives much more directly than those in federal offices. Every person who votes, and every person who chooses not to vote, makes a huge difference.
     
  • For those who do not vote because of a belief that the outcome is already pre-determined by the system fail to understand that whatever corruption exists can be outvoted.

Every withheld vote enables the corruption and manipulation.

• Vote knowledgeably
   
• take the time to do the research necessary to make wise choices—the very continuance of the Republic could very well be hanging in the balance.

• Vote Safe
   
• Explore the many ways available to you for submitting your ballot. Evaluate the risks and benefits associated with each method and choose how you will vote with wisdom and care.

• Be a cheerleader for everyone you know.
   
• Encourage every eligible voter in your sphere of influence to vote. Friends don’t let friends sit it out!
   
• Go the extra mile. Offer to help others with your research or a ride to the polls.

The second step is to become aware of, and act on, some very precious legal rights all California citizens have but may either not know about or not understand their importance.

You have the right to participate in meaningful Citizen Oversight.

It is rare even in this country, let alone in this world, to have a right to be integrally involved in the selection of those in the seats of power, not only by voting but by closely and responsibly overseeing the integrity of the entire process.

As a result, where we citizens have a right, we also have a duty!

As a California citizen you have the right to:

1. make notes and observe election procedures [EC § 2300]
2. view election-related activities at the central counting site on Election Day [EC § 15204]
3. view the canvass [processing and counting] of the vote activities following the election [EC §§ 335.5, 353.5, 15109, 15201, 15204, 15272]
   
4. observe vote by mail and provisional ballot processing [EC §§ 15104, 15350]
5. ask questions of elections officials - as long as you do not interfere with the conduct of any part of the voting process - and receive answers or be redirected to the appropriate official for answers [EC § 2300(a) (9)(A)(B),(10)]
6. ask questions of supervisors at the central counting site as long as you do not interfere with the conduct of the election procedures [EC § 15104]
   

Item #9 on the “Voter Bill of Rights” delineates the right to ask questions of elections officials. 

• To stay within your legal rights, speak only with the Lead Official unless that option is unavailable and the situation is urgent. You may not interact with any election official while that person is engaged with a voter. NEVER INTERRUPT OR INTERFERE.

Note that within those rights are restrictions and responsibilities.

• You may never interrupt or interfere.
• You should always speak with the Supervisor or Lead Official.
• You do not have the right to argue, insist, “school” or demand. You may ONLY ask polite, respectful questions.

Pay no attention to those who disparage the value of citizen observation. They do not comprehend what true observing is.

Observers are NOT loiterers or lookie-loos.

Legitimate Observers know what they are looking for, and know the right thing to do when concerns arise. Citizen Observers understand how important a role they play.

This series of articles will prepare you to “do a little more” as a well-informed Citizen Observer.

Please stay tuned.

And please continue to support EIPCa as the lawsuit progresses.