What's the very latest scoop on absentee voting in California?

[Misskittycat]

I'm getting questions from my precinct peeps about the security of absentee voting (permanent or otherwise) in California, and specifically in San Diego County. Quite frankly, I've always had some concerns with absentee voting. As a precinct leader, I'm supposed to be pushing permanent absentee ballot voting, but I need to allay their fears as well as my own.

First, how are the absentee vote ballots counted? Is there any machine involved, i.e., optical scan in the central location? How are the ballots themselves secured? Currently, is there an optical scan element to the counting of ballots generally in San Diego (i.e., absentee or at precinct locations on election day?) If so, what are the safeguards, if any?

Sometime recently, I thought I read a news report that the San Diego County Registrar (a horrible Repug) was challenging in court some of SOS Debra Bowen's reforms.

Any help or reassurance on this matter would be appreciated.

[kestrel91316]

1. I list myself as permanent absentee, just got the ballot a few days ago.

But I will walk it down to the polling place on election day and put it in the box myself.

[diva77]

2. Kestrel - the best way for you to vote is for you to surrender your absentee ballot

at the polls and get a regular ballot on the spot. Don't turn in your absentee ballot!!! The bad news is that we have "inkavote plus" optiscan with the modem and secret software, plus the human-hybrid animal GEMS II disguised as the old homegrown A-Frame Microtally System at HQ hooked up to the internet, and all of the unmonitored cars and helicopters driving ballots around LA after the polls close.

Also they use Diebold equipment for signature checking the absentee ballots -- and what if they decide your signature doesn't match their records? Then you're SOL regarding having your vote counted.

[kestrel91316]

3. I'm not really worried. My area always goes BLUE BLUE BLUE, lol.

[bunner]

4. absentee ballots

I live in New Philadelphia,OH and requested an absentee ballot
last month.For some reason they still haven't come.There are
around 7000 or more people waiting.I find this questionable.