Alameda County Elections Commission Meeting – May 26, 2026

The Alameda County Elections Commission met on May 26, 2026, with seven commissioners present, achieving a quorum. The meeting covered updates on the upcoming June 2 statewide primary and June 16 special congressional primary elections, ad hoc committee reports on voting participation, youth engagement, budgeting, and procedures, as well as a presentation on a new youth leadership program. Key decisions included scheduling an additional meeting in August and approving a new committee member.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously via roll call (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public speakers were present.

Discussion Items

Monthly Update from Registrar of Voters

• June 2 Statewide Primary: Key dates included: first mailing of voter information guides (April 23), vote-by-mail ballots (May 4), early voting (May 4–June 1), 24-hour drop boxes (May 4), close of registration (May 18), 10-day vote centers opening (May 23, 20 locations), additional 80 vote centers opening (May 30), and election day (June 2).
• June 16 Special Primary (14th Congressional District): First mailing of guides (May 7), ballots (May 18), early voting (May 4), 24-hour drop boxes (May 18, 28 locations), close of registration (June 1), 10-day vote centers (June 6, 7 locations), four-day vote centers (June 13, 7 total), and election day (June 16).
• Staff displayed new interactive kiosks in ballot processing areas to enhance observer experience, featuring procedures and videos.
• Voter education materials emphasized that the special election is separate from the statewide primary, with distinct envelopes and guides. A dedicated website page includes maps and side-by-side comparisons to help voters understand which elections they are eligible for.

Ad Hoc Committee Reports

• Voting Participation Committee (Commissioner Lindsay): Analyzed voter data using PDI software. Found that in Oakland District 3, only 40% of eligible Black voters are registered, and 61% of registered Black voters turn out. The committee is considering a targeted voter registration pilot project and will examine other districts and cities before proposing.
• Youth Participation Committee (Commissioner Varlick): Requested a complete list of schools visited for voter education. Commissioner Britzi Hernandez was approved to join the committee (motion passed unanimously).
• Budgeting for Elections Committee (Commissioner Wagner): Met once with ROV staff to understand election cost spreadsheets. Provided feedback on billing language for city clerks. Further analysis for 2028 may follow after the special election.
• Procedures Committee (President Dieter): Gathered feedback on three topics: (1) Public comment – proposed separating agenda and non-agenda comments and placing them before each item, with two minutes default but chair discretion; also suggested including written comments in agenda packets if IT allows. (2) Frequency of meetings – discussed removing the rule that designates June and December as off-months, instead adopting a yearly calendar in January. (3) Brown Act scenarios – most commissioners found the existing appendix helpful, so no change recommended.

Scheduling August Meeting

• The commission discussed whether to meet in August or December to fulfill the ordinance requiring at least 10 meetings per year. Consensus favored an August meeting due to the November general election and post-election assessment. The meeting was set for August 27, 2026 (motion passed unanimously).

Voter Guide Discussion

• Staff explained differences between the statewide voter information guide (from Secretary of State, covering state constitutional offices and propositions) and the county guide (from ROV, covering local races, measures, and sample ballot). Commissioners noted confusion among voters and suggested adding page numbers and a clear table of contents. The county guide includes large print versions available by request.

General Administration

• The Board of Supervisors approved two reimbursement agreements with the Secretary of State: one for voting system replacement equipment and one for cybersecurity enhancements. Signed and submitted; receipts due for reimbursement.

Special Report: AC Youth Voice Leadership Program

• Presented by Betty David, the program aims to train and deputize high school students (ages 16–18) as “AC Youth Voice Leaders” to conduct voter pre-registration drives and recruit student poll workers. The goal is to reach every major high school in the county. Pilot outreach in April had limited participation; full launch targeted for September 2026. The program partners with local organizations like Oakland Youth Vote Coalition and NAACP.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to add Commissioner Britzi Hernandez to Youth Participation Committee: Passed unanimously.
• Motion to reschedule August meeting to August 27, 2026: Passed unanimously.
• Committee feedback on procedures: The Procedures Committee will incorporate feedback to modify rules regarding public comment timing, meeting frequency (remove fixed off-months, adopt annual calendar), and retain Brown Act appendix. Formal proposals will be brought to the full commission at a future meeting.
• Meeting adjourned at 6:38 PM.