Resolution To Restore In-Person Observation of Election

WHEREAS, Polk County does not now permit in-person observation of the election process and ballot handling as required by ORS254.482, which states, in part,”[T]he county clerk, if requested, shall permit authorized persons to be at the office of the county clerk to watch the receiving and counting of votes”;

WHEREAS, Polk County does not physically provide sufficient, secure floor space to facilitate an easy-flowing election operation while also accommodating the orderly in-person observation of all stages of that election process, as required by statute;

WHEREAS, Providing safe and secure facilities, separate from the County Clerk’s office, capable of accommodating the entire election process from beginning to end, would also allow for the orderly in-person observation of the election process by Polk County citizens;

WHEREAS, Providing such separate facilities would reduce the interruption of the ongoing duties of the county clerk, and resolve any issues involving statutory noncompliance of ORS 254.482; and;

WHEREAS, Refusing the citizens of Polk County their statutory right to observe the handling and counting of their own ballots erodes trust in the election process:

NOW, THEREFORE, 

BE IT RESOLVED, That the Polk County Republican Party respectfully requires the Polk County Board of Commissioners and the Polk County Clerk to provide adequate floor space for in-person observation of every stage of the election process in Polk County; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That in-person observation of the election process shall continue for as long as any county employee, county election workers, or volunteers are present during any stage of the election process for all elections, now or in the future.