Understanding the measure letter assignment and argument process for San Benito County

Information provided San Benito County Election Office. Lea este artículo en español aquí.

Dear Residents of San Benito County,
With 11 measures set for the upcoming election (the final number of measures will be on August 9 th at 5pm), there’s significant excitement and interest in our county’s ballot.
As your county election official, I want to keep you informed about how we assign measure letters and the procedures for submitting and responding to arguments for and
against these measures.

Measure Letter Assignment
The process of assigning letters to ballot measures is a critical component of our election system, and it is essential for ensuring clarity and fairness in the ballot. Here’s a brief overview of how this process works:

1. Nomination Period: We will wait until the close of the nomination period on
   August 9th before beginning the letter assignment process. This ensures that all
   measures are accounted for and accurately represented.
2. Collaboration with Neighboring Jurisdictions: According to new regulatory
   requirements, our staff will collaborate with neighboring jurisdictions—Monterey,
   Santa Cruz County, Santa Clara, and Fresno. This collaboration is crucial as it
   helps determine the lead county for assigning measure letters.
3. Lead County Assignment: Under the new regulations, the lead county has the
   authority to assign measure letters. However, this assignment is not a unilateral
   decision. It is a collaborative process involving discussions and agreements with
   neighboring jurisdictions.
4. Communication: Once the letters are assigned, we will post this information on
   our website, share it on social media, include it in local newspapers, and
   communicate it directly to the proponents of each measure. We anticipate
   finalizing the letter assignments by August 19th.
   Until this process is complete, neither I nor my staff will comment on the letter
   assignments for each measure. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this period.

Arguments and Rebuttals

The Voter Information Guide, mailed to all registered voters, plays a key role in providing balanced arguments for and against each measure. Here’s how the process
works:

1. Submission of Arguments: Both proponents and opponents of each measure can submit their arguments for inclusion in the Voter Information Guide. These arguments offer voters diverse perspectives on each measure. The deadline for submitting arguments is August 13th.
2. Distribution of Arguments: After an argument in favor of a measure is selected for publication, the election official will send copies to the authors of opposing arguments. Likewise, arguments against a measure will be shared with the authors of supporting arguments.
3. Rebuttals: Authors of arguments may submit rebuttals to counter opposing arguments, ensuring voters have a comprehensive view of the measures. The
   deadline for rebuttals is August 20th.
   Who Can File Arguments?
   Governing Boards: This includes the Board of Supervisors, school boards, or special district boards. Individual board members may file arguments without board authorization.
   Voters and Associations: An individual voter, a bona fide association of citizens,
   or a combination of voters and associations who are genuine sponsors or proponents of the measure can file arguments.
   Individual Voters: Any eligible voter can also file arguments.
   If multiple arguments are submitted for or against a measure, the county elections
   official will select one for inclusion in the Voter Information Guide based on the established process.
   Importance of Civility and Neutrality
   While the process of assigning letters and submitting arguments can sometimes be
   contentious, it is crucial for all parties involved to maintain civility and neutrality.
   Respectful discourse is essential for a fair and transparent election process, allowing
   voters to make informed decisions based on a balanced presentation of information.
   We appreciate your enthusiasm and engagement as we approach this election. By
   understanding the letter assignment process and the procedures for arguments and
   rebuttals, you can actively participate in our democratic process.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. If you have any questions, please
do not hesitate to contact our office.
Interested in writing a measure argument, click here.

Best Wishes,
Francsico Diaz
County Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters

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