Election Observers
Elections are a public process, and transparency is an important part of ensuring voters have confidence in the accuracy and integrity of the election results.
The ROV’s election activities are open to the public to observe at any time. Below are some of the aspects of the election activities that are open for the public to observe. The dates listed below are subject to change. If you are interested in being an election observer or confirming scheduled activities, please e-mail [email protected].
Ballot on Demand Printer testing
This is the testing of the Ballot on Demand Printers that ensures that each machine is programmed and prepared properly. Testing ensures the integrity of the Ballot on Demand Printers and that the printer prints the correct ballot type as requested by the voter. Testing is scheduled to begin on September 20, 2023, at approximately 9:00 a.m. The testing location will be 1555 Berger Drive, Building 2, San Jose, CA, 95112.
Touch screen ballot marking device and vote center scanner/tabulator preparation and testing
This is the loading of election data and comprehensive election logic and accuracy testing that ensures that each machine is securely programmed and prepared properly. Testing ensures the integrity of the vote-counting during the election. Testing is scheduled to begin on October 2, 2023 at approximately 9:00 a.m. The testing location will be 2730 Junction Ave, San Jose, CA, 95134.
Central Count Ballot Scanner/Tabulator (Pre-LAT Logic and Accuracy Testing)
The Central Count Ballot Scanner/Tabulator system is tested prior to each election by using a pre-marked set of test ballots. The preparation of the ballot test deck and testing of the tabulation equipment is scheduled to begin on October 20, 2023, at approximately 8:30 a.m. The testing location will be 1555 Berger Drive, Building 2, San Jose, CA, 95112.
Returned vote by mail ballot processing
In accordance with Chapter 2 of Division 15 of the California Elections Code, for November 7, 2023, Special Election, the opening and processing of returned Vote by Mail (VBM) ballot envelopes is scheduled to begin on October 9, 2023. Ballot processing will continue through Election Day and the following weeks until complete.
For November 7, 2023, Special Election, VBM ballots postmarked on Election Day and received by Tuesday, November 14, 2023, will be processed. The majority of ballots are expected to be processed within a week of Election Day. However, some VBM ballots will continue to be processed through the end of the canvass period.
Under state law, VBM ballots returned without the required voter signature on the return envelope can be corrected by the voter. An “Unsigned Ballot Statement” form is mailed to the voter to be completed and returned to the ROV by 5:00 p.m., by the thirteenth day after Election Day, November 20, 2023.
If the signature on a VBM ballot return envelope does not match the voter’s registration records, a “Signature Update Statement” form is mailed to the voter. The voter must complete and return the form to the ROV by 5:00 p.m. by the thirteenth day after Election Day, November 20, 2023.
Main headquarters
The public may observe the operation at 1555 Berger Drive, Building 2, San Jose, CA, 95112, during hours of operation, including Election Day, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Vote centers
The public may observe the operation at any Vote Center during hours of operation, including Election Day, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. For Vote Center locations and hours of operation, select Official Ballot Drop Box and Vote Center Sites Information page found under the tab, Vote in Person.
Please review our poll watcher and observer guidelines and contact our office before your visit.
Election night ballot receipt and counting
The first “Semifinal Official Election Results” will be posted at approximately 8:05 p.m., Election Night, on the ROV website at www.vote.santaclaracounty.gov. This first report released by the ROV will include the results of VBM ballots processed up to Election Day.
After the polls close at 8:00 p.m., results data from each Vote Center will be delivered by Couriers to the ROV Office, 1555 Berger Drive, Building 2, San Jose, CA, 95112, for central tabulation and reporting. The ROV will continue to process and report accumulated election results until all precincts have reported.
Updates of the semifinal official results issued throughout the canvass can be found on the ROV’s website until all steps of the canvass have been completed and results are certified.
Official canvass
Pursuant to California Elections Code section 15301, the official canvass must start no later than the Thursday after the election. However, the ROV prefers to schedule the canvass to begin one day earlier, on Wednesday, November 8, 2023.
The official canvass process is open to the public and must continue for at least 6 hours a day (Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays excepted) until completed. The ROV will extend work hours, including weekends and holidays, as needed. The majority of canvass activities will be conducted at 1555 Berger Drive, Building 2, San Jose, CA 95112. Additional activities may be conducted at 2730 Junction Ave, San Jose, CA 95134, and 880 Ridder Park Dr, San Jose, CA 95131.
The canvass includes, but is not limited to, the inspection of all materials and supplies; processing and counting the valid Vote by Mail and Provisional ballots; counting valid write-in votes and conducting the post-election manual recounts. Please contact the ROV regarding the anticipated schedule of specific activities if you are interested in a particular aspect of the canvass process.
After completing this process, the election results are then certified and made public. According to California Election Code section 15372, the Registrar of Voters must complete all steps of the canvass and certify the vote within 13 days of the election.