Alameda County Elections Commission Meeting - October 19, 2026

The Alameda County Elections Commission met on October 19, 2026, at 4:01 p.m. at 1225 Fallon Street, Oakland, and via teleconference. The meeting covered updates on the November 3, 2026 general election, ad hoc committee reports on voting participation, youth participation, budgeting, and rules, as well as public comments on San Leandro elections, a monthly ROV update, and decisions on a December meeting and election observation notifications. Note: The agenda and transcript indicate the meeting occurred on October 15, 2026, but the provided instructions specify October 19, 2026; this summary uses the instructed date.

Consent Calendar

• August 27, 2026 Minutes: Approved 5-0 with two abstentions.
• September 17, 2026 Minutes: Approved 6-0 (September meeting adjourned early due to lack of quorum; minutes reflect only roll call and adjournment).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tom Silva (San Leandro resident): Expressed appreciation for the ROV update on San Leandro elections but requested additional clarity on how votes from the six council districts would be processed and reported. He urged the ROV and city to release FAQs to reduce community uncertainty.
• Lee Thomas (San Leandro City Council candidate, District 3): Called for transparent communication between the county, city, and candidates, emphasizing the need for consistent information to ensure a fair election for contested races.

Discussion Items

Monthly Update from Registrar of Voters (ROV)

• Interim Registrar Cynthia Cornejo reported that as of October 15 (E-19), the ROV had mailed all ballots and voter guides for the November 3 general election. 20 vote centers opened October 24, with 100 total opening October 31. Approximately 24,000 ballots had been returned. She outlined voter security protocols, including coordination with local law enforcement, de-escalation training for poll workers, and a help desk for vote centers. The ROV has sent birthday cards to newly eligible pre-registered youth voters. There are 28 local ballot measures, 14 state propositions, 216 candidate statements, and 268 ballot variations in 5 languages.

Ad Hoc Committee Reports

• Voting Participation (7-A(1)): Commissioner Seabrook reported the committee’s recommendation to request the ROV develop a pilot voter registration and civic engagement initiative in Oakland District 7 west of I-580, leveraging trusted community-based organizations. The motion, as amended, passed (8-2: Commissioners Butter and Wagner dissenting). The amendment added collaboration with the Elections Commission and explicit mention of engaging AAPI and Latino communities.
• Youth Participation (7-A(2)): The committee did not meet. Commissioners discussed whether the ad hoc committee should continue or be replaced by a standing agenda item for youth voting updates. No action taken.
• Budgeting for Elections (7-A(3)): Commissioner Wagner presented the committee’s recommendation to revise RCV cost accounting: not to treat ballot production costs (printing, stuffing, transport, mailing) as RCV-related, with changes effective July 1, 2027. The motion passed unanimously. The committee will also continue studying costs for jurisdictions with more than four ballot measures.
• Rules and Procedures (7-A(4)): President Dieter reported the committee completed its task. A motion to disband the committee passed unanimously.

Regular Agenda Items

• Post-election Assessment for August Election (8-A): Commissioners offered feedback on the August 18 special election (CD 14). The ROV was praised for adding “partially reported” to results. It was decided to combine any assessment with the November election post-election assessment.
• Scheduling a December Meeting (8-B): A motion not to meet in December (citing lack of quorum risk and staff burden) passed 7-3 (Commissioners Belcher, Butter, and Wagner dissenting). County Counsel noted the ordinance requires at least 10 meetings per year; the commission had cancelled two meetings in 2026.
• Notifications on Observation of Election Processing (8-C): The commission decided to keep its standing recommendation for incremental improvements, after hearing that processes can occur 10–12 times per day. Commissioners suggested improving the alert wording and user experience for observers.

Special Report from ROV – Staff Roles

• Registrar Cornejo reviewed the organizational chart and responsibilities of ROV staff, including division managers for Voter Services, Administration, Election Services, and Data Services. She committed to having division managers present at future meetings.

Key Outcomes

• Approved August and September meeting minutes.
• Approved motion to request ROV develop a pilot voter registration and civic engagement initiative in Oakland District 7 west of I-580 (8-2).
• Approved motion to revise RCV cost accounting and continue studying ballot measure costs (unanimous).
• Approved disbanding the Rules and Procedures Ad Hoc Committee (unanimous).
• Voted not to hold a December 2026 meeting (7-3).
• Decided to keep the standing recommendation on election observation notifications.
• Noted that the September meeting was cancelled due to lack of quorum; the commission will have 10 meetings in 2026 if the November and January meetings proceed.