Come Look, We’re an Open Book.
Elections in Contra Costa County are safe, secure and transparent. Come see all the steps we take to protect elections.
Public Observation Opportunities
At the Elections Office and/or Election Operations Center:
Want to see election processes and procedures in person? The public is welcome to observe and ask questions at the Elections Office and/or Election Operations Center.
Please review the election observer rules and check in at the Elections Division at 555 Escobar Street, Martinez. The office and center are open Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Here, you can watch:
Preparation of tabulating devices
Vote by mail process
Central count and election night
Canvass and 1% manual tally
At Polling Places:
Regional Early Voting Sites are open the Friday, Saturday and Monday before Election Day
Election Day polling places are open from 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Safe and Secure Elections
Counting the Votes - What Happens After Election Day
Certified Election Observer Program
Held before every election, the Certified Election Observer (CEO) Program gives “behind-the-scenes” access to the election process, helping the community see the many steps the county takes to ensure transparency and integrity.
Participants attend a series of classes and tours to observe processes and procedures including:
Voter registration
Poll worker training
Voting equipment logic and accuracy testing
Mail-in voting
Ballot scanning
Provisional ballot processing
Ballot review
The 1% manual tally
Interested in participating in the fall 2024 CEO Program? Click to email us.
Not able to participate but want more information? Click to request a speaker for your organization.
Certified Election Observers
