Alameda County Elections Commission Meeting - April 21, 2026

The Alameda County Elections Commission met on April 21, 2026, to discuss upcoming elections (June 2 primary and June 16 special election for CD 14), receive committee updates, review vendor contracts over $100,000, and review new election laws for 2026. The commission unanimously approved minutes, disbanded a post-election assessment committee, formed a rules revision committee, and selected a new commissioner liaison.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of February 2026 Meeting Minutes: Moved by Commissioner Barley, seconded by Commissioner Butter. Passed unanimously (all present in favor).
• Approval of March 2026 Meeting Minutes: Moved by Commissioner Lindsay, seconded by Commissioner Butter. Passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Steve Chesson (Californians for Electoral Reform): Expressed concern about potential voter confusion due to two ballots (June 2 primary and June 16 special election) being mailed to residents of CD 14. Recommended distinctive markings on outer and return envelopes to avoid mix-ups. Later thanked the Registrar for addressing this concern.
• Dominici Morris (Oakland Kids First / Oakland Youth Vote Coalition): Presented an evaluation report on youth voting implementation in 2024, highlighting recommendations for school districts to formalize civic curriculum and accountability. Called for greater collaboration between the commission’s youth participation committee and their coalition. Offered to share the report.

Discussion Items

• Monthly Update from Registrar of Voters (ROV) – Tim Cornejo:

  • Provided key dates for the June 2, 2026 Direct Primary Election: first day of mailing voter information guides (April 23), vote-by-mail ballots (May 4), early voting (May 4), 24-hour drop box opening (May 4), and close of registration (May 18). There are eight ballot measures.
  • Reported on the special primary election for the 14th Congressional District on June 16 (with a potential general election on August 18). Signature-in-lieu period ends April 16; 143 signatures needed to offset the $1,740 filing fee.
  • Described plans to prevent voter confusion between the two elections: distinct messaging and color coding on outer and return envelopes, special inserts, and social media campaigns. ROV had already contacted printers.
  • Confirmed that voting will be in-person and by mail for both elections. All 100 vote centers are secured. The remote accessible vote-by-mail (RAVBM) tool is ready for voters with disabilities.
  • In Q&A, addressed questions about past confusion (e.g., three overlapping elections in 2010), the capital fund for equipment (85¢ per registered voter charged to jurisdictions), and the use of online voter notification tools (text/email).

• Ad Hoc Committee Reports:

  • November 2025 Post-Election Assessment: President Dieter reported that the draft assessment was sent to the Board of Supervisors; two supervisors (Marquez and Bass) responded positively. Motion to disband the subcommittee passed unanimously.
  • Voting Participation Committee (Commissioner Seabrook): Committee met twice, now has access to a database (PDI) for analysis. Next in-person meeting in May to fine-tune data analysis.
  • Youth Participation Committee: Met with ROV staff on March 25. Received a presentation on youth voter engagement efforts. Discussed partnerships with NAACP and League of Women Voters. Working to identify student leaders in high schools to become deputized voter registrars. Request for the ROV to present at the next commission meeting. Commissioners Butter and Whitehurst noted successful high school events (McClymonds and Henderson).
  • Budgeting for Elections Committee (Commissioner Wagner): Just getting started. Focused on understanding cost allocation model between county and jurisdictions. Learned that costs are proportional to registered voters, with extra charges for jurisdictions with ≥5 measures (double share) and separate handling for RCV and youth voting costs. Short-term goal: improve predictability for cities. ROV is working on better communication with city clerks.

• Contracts Over $100,000: Agenda item returning from October request for transparency. Three contracts listed: Runbeck (election management system VIMS – $4.1M over 2 years), Liberty Vote formerly Dominion (voting system – $23.7M over 10 years with additional annual licensing ~$1.2M), and Netfile (online campaign finance filing – cost not specified). ROV explained that capital fund (85¢/registered voter) covers annual licensing and equipment purchases. Poll pads were purchased from a different vendor under $100k and thus not listed.

• Special Report: New Laws Affecting the ROV in 2026: ROV Tim Cornejo summarized several new laws:

  • AB 1392: Extends confidential voter status to elected officials and candidates automatically (can opt out). ROV sent notification letters and reminders.
  • SB 398: Makes it a crime (fine up to $10,000, imprisonment up to 3 years) to offer payment to induce voting or registration, with exceptions for transportation and certain activities. ROV will direct questions to Secretary of State.
  • AB 287: Requires public buildings (including schools, libraries, veterans halls) used as polling places or vote centers to provide accessible parking and storage space.
  • AB 1072: Requires uniform standards for ballot correction instructions (already implemented).
  • AB 5: Mandates that all ballots be counted by E+13 days (13 days after election), with exceptions for duplicated, forwarded, provisional, curing, same-day registration, and postmarked ballots received after E+4. Results must be released with an unprocessed ballot report.
  • AB 827: Reduces deadlines for signature curing notification (first notice within 14 days) and voter response (by 5 p.m. on day 22). ROV already does more than required. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about impacts on community programs and public confusion over partial results.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: Unanimous approval of February and March 2026 meeting minutes.
• Post-Election Assessment Committee Disbanded: Motion passed unanimously.
• Rules and Procedures Ad Hoc Committee Formed: Motion to create a committee composed of President Dieter and Commissioner Henderson to update the rules passed unanimously (Commissioner Wagner abstained due to missing the description).
• Liaison for New Commissioner Onboarding Selected: Commissioner Lindsay was chosen via unanimous vote.
• Action Items: Request for ROV to provide a presentation on youth voting at the next meeting. Committee chairs to continue work and report back.