FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Darlene E. Ingersoll, Registrar of Voters
(209) 385-7541
(800) 561-0619 toll-free
June 28, 2021
MERCED COUNTY REGISTRAR OF VOTERS RELEASES DRAFT ELECTION ADMINISTRATION PLAN (EAP). EAP IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT.
PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD JULY 13, 2021.
MERCED- Darlene E. Ingersoll, Merced County Registrar of Voters, announced today that, pursuant to California Elections Code Section 4005 (a)(10)(D)(i), the Draft Election Administration Plan (EAP) is released for public review and comment and a Public Hearing with held on July 13, 2021.
“The Draft Election Administration Plan is available for review,” explained Ingersoll. “I encourage the public to take a few minutes to look over the document and submit their comments.”
The EAP is a detailed plan on how upcoming elections will be conducted in Merced County including the intended locations for Voting Assistance Centers, ballot drop box locations and an outreach component to inform the public. This plan is in conjunction with the California Voter’s Choice Act to conduct Vote Center model elections. The new election model allows voters to choose how, when, and where to cast their ballot. The major changes are replacing traditional polling places with multi-day Voting Assistance Centers and every active registered voter is mailed a Vote by Mail (VBM) ballot.
“Merced County has, for years, been a majority Vote by Mail county,” stated Ingersoll. “For the over 77% of Merced County registered voters who were already permanent vote by mail, the Voter’s Choice Act will have no impact on their voting experience. For those voters who still prefer to vote in person, Voting Assistance Centers will be open several days before Election Day and on Election Day. I encourage them to vote early to avoid any large crowds and lines.”
The Draft Election Administration Plan is posted on the Registrar of Voters/Elections website at www.mercedelections.org and the period for the public to submit comments is June 28, 2021 through July 13, 2021. A public hearing will be held at 6:00pm on July 13, 2021 at the Merced County Administration Building, 2222 M Street, 3rd Floor- Board of Supervisors Chambers, Merced, CA 95340.
Comments on the EAP may be submitted:
-In Writing: Registrar of Voters/Elections Office
2222 M Street, Merced, CA 95340
-By Email: elections@countyofmerced.com
-In Person: At the public meeting on July 13, 2021
For more information or to obtain a copy of the EAP, contact the Merced County Registrar of Voters at 209-385-7541 or toll free at 800-561-0619.