By Dean Logan, Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk

As the upcoming election approaches, voters are rightfully concerned about the safety and security of their ballots. With questions like “Are the
ballot boxes safe?” and “Can I trust vote by mail?” circulating, it’s crucial to reassure the public that Los Angeles County is dedicated to maintaining the accessibility, security and
integrity of elections.

While voting in person at a Vote Center is always an option, here’s a comprehensive look at the measures to safeguard your ballot when voting by mail or using a Ballot Drop Box.

SAFETY OF BALLOT DROP BOXES
Ballot Drop Boxes have become a voter favorite, surpassing U.S. Postal Service returns in the 2020 general election and the recent presidential primary election. This overwhelming preference from voters is a testament to the safety and security of these boxes. They’re not just convenient–they’re fortified. Constructed from high-grade materials and equipped with multiple locking mechanisms, they are designed to withstand tampering and vandalism.

Strategically placed in well-lit, high-traffic areas, these boxes are under the vigilant watch of trained personnel. They adhere to strict chain-of-custody protocols during ballot collection, ensuring that each vote is securely transported to counting centers.

TRUSTING VOTE BY MAIL
Vote by mail has earned the trust of millions of Americans, including those in L.A. County. Each ballot is assigned a unique barcode, allowing voters to track its journey from issuance to when it’s received and counted through California’s system.

Upon receipt, each mail-in ballot undergoes rigorous ballot preparation at our new Ballot Processing Center. At this state-of-the-art facility, dedicated county personnel process all mail-in ballots thoroughly, using advanced sorting and scanning technology including signature verification.

Every returned ballot undergoes signature verification by meticulously comparing it with those on file to confirm authenticity. This prevents fraudulent votes and ensures only valid ballots are counted, upholding the integrity of our electoral system.

SECURING THE LEGITIMACY OF THE VOTE
Before every election, we conduct logic and accuracy testing on our voting equipment to ensure everything functions correctly. Postelection, a 1% manual tally audit verifies the accuracy of machine counts, adding another layer of assurance. Transparency is paramount. Our Public Observation Program invites the community to witness election-related activities firsthand, with live-streaming options available for those who cannot attend in person. This program underscores our dedication to an open and transparent process.

THE ROLE OF AI IN VOTING
While artificial intelligence (AI) is an increasingly important tool for enhancing election security, L.A. County is aware of its potential challenges and misuse. Our office is deploying various social media monitoring systems and strategies to identify and combat mis/disinformation. In addition to our monitoring efforts, we are conducting a comprehensive voter education and outreach program to ensure voters receive accurate and reliable information about the election process.

CONCLUSION
As we approach the election, rest assured that every possible step is being taken to protect the integrity of the voting process. With stringent measures to protect ballot boxes, rigorous verification processes for mail-in ballots and proactive strategies to combat mis/disinformation, voters can trust that their ballots are safe and their voices will be heard. •

For more information on voting security measures, please visit lavote.gov.