BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 The U.S. Department of Justice will send federal observers to monitor several upcoming special elections across the country \u2014 including right here in Kern County.<\/p>\n
Kern County is one of a handful of California counties selected for federal monitoring during this election cycle. Election officials say while observers are common, federal monitors are something new.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been in elections since 2019, and to my knowledge, there\u2019s never been anyone from any federal observers,\u201d said Aimee Espinoza, Kern County\u2019s auditor-controller, clerk and registrar of voters. \u201cWe do have private citizens, local groups, and even the Secretary of State\u2019s Office that visit and observe.\u201d<\/p>\n
Espinoza said the addition of federal monitors won\u2019t change how Kern County runs its elections. All observers \u2014 regardless of their affiliation \u2014 must follow the same rules.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnyone who\u2019s coming in as an observer, regardless of the organization they\u2019re affiliated with, still has to abide by the rules that we\u2019ve established,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Those rules include designated viewing areas and restrictions on access to ballot-counting rooms. Espinoza added that the county has expanded transparency in recent years by installing cameras at drop boxes and in ballot-processing areas to build public trust.<\/p>\n
\u201cI stand by the processes and procedures we have in place to ensure transparency, accuracy and to increase voter confidence,\u201d Espinoza said.<\/p>\n
California Attorney General Rob Bonta said his office will be on call through Election Day to enforce state voting laws and protect voter access.<\/p>\n
\u201cVoting early is one of the most effective ways to make your voice heard,\u201d Bonta said. \u201cYour vote is your voice \u2014 and every Californian has the right to cast it free from intimidation or interference.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Justice Department\u2019s announcement came days after Republican Party leaders in California and New Jersey sent letters requesting federal assistance. But some local Democrats say the move is unnecessary and politically motivated.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re not going to San Francisco or L.A.,\u201d said Christian Romo, chair of the Kern County Democratic Party. \u201cThey\u2019re coming to Kern County, where they think they can stir up claims of fraud. It\u2019s political theater meant to intimidate voters.\u201d<\/p>\n
Romo said Kern County officials from both parties have been working together to improve election transparency and that outside monitoring could undermine those efforts.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve worked with Republicans and Democrats here to add cameras and public access,\u201d he said. \u201cBringing in federal observers just sends the wrong message about the progress we\u2019ve made.\u201d<\/p>\n
Espinoza said her office remains focused on ensuring a safe and secure election and welcomes anyone who wants to observe the process in person.<\/p>\n
Polls for the special election will be open Nov. 4 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.<\/p>\n
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