Vote Safe and a Little More in 2024
Part 1 - Citizen Rights and Responsibilities

Participating with a vote in every election is the most basic duty of every citizen if we are to Keep this Republic. Every eligible voice must be heard.

It is devastating to see that in special and primary elections it is common for only a small percentage, often 20% or less, of eligible voters show up to make decisions for the rest - who may not realize the impact that such a small turn out will have on everyone's lives.

EIPCa encourages and urges ALL eligible voters to VOTE in the upcoming CA primary on March 5.

DO NOT let others limit your choices for you.

This state and country are in an existential crisis. The divisiveness has never been worse since the Civil War.

The first step to changing this situation is to hear loudly the voice of ALL of the often-silent citizens.

• Vote knowledgeably
  • take the time to do the research necessary to make wise choices - the very continuance of the Republic could very well be hanging in the balance.
• Vote Safe
  • Vote in person with a hand-marked paper ballot, on or close to Election Day. (Future articles will address how to make that happen!)
  • Learn from EIPCa articles why voting early, voting with an envelope and ballot harvesting actually contribute to election manipulation and vote fraud - then spread the word!!
• Be a cheerleader for everyone you know - Friends don’t let friends sit it out on Election Day!

The second step is to become aware of, and act on, some very precious legal rights all California citizens have but may not know about or not know the importance of.

You have the right to participate in meaningful Citizen Oversight.

As a California citizen you have the right to:

1. make notes and observe election procedures [EC § 2300]
2. view election-related activities at the central counting site on Election Day
3. view the canvass [processing and counting] of the vote activities following the
4. observe vote by mail and provisional ballot processing [EC §§ 15104, 15350]
5. ask questions of election officials - as long as you do not interfere with the conduct of any part of the voting process - and receive answers or be redirected to the appropriate official for answers [EC § 2300(a) (9)(A)(B),(10)]
6. ask questions of supervisors at the central counting site as long as you do not interfere with the conduct of the election procedures [EC § 15104]

Item #9 on the “Voter Bill of Rights” delineates this right.

• To stay within your legal rights, speak only with the Lead Official unless that option is unavailable and the situation is urgent. You may not interact with any election official while that person is engaged with a voter. NEVER INTERRUPT OR INTERFERE.

Note that within those rights are restrictions and responsibilities.

• You may never interrupt or interfere.
• You should always speak with the Supervisor or Lead Official.
• You do not have the right to argue, insist, “school” or demand. You may ONLY ask polite, respectful questions.

Observers are NOT loiterers or lookie-loos.

Educated Citizen Observers know what they are looking for, and know the right thing to do when concerns arise.

Educated Citizen Observers understand how important a role they play.

This series of articles will prepare you to

“do a little more” as a well-informed Citizen Observer.

Please stay tuned.