Read on Twitter
Why does it take so long to count ballots in @SacCountyCA ? #Elections2020 
#ElectionResults2020 (A THREAD, take 2 - I'm going to get this right!)
#ElectionResults2020 (A THREAD, take 2 - I'm going to get this right!)
1a. Returned ballots are run through a mail sorter that takes a picture of the envelope for signature verification purposes and weighs the envelope to ensure multiple ballots are not inside
1b. The mail sorter also reads the unique barcode on the pink identification envelope that is tied to the voter's record, ensuring only one ballot is counted for that record. We still have a lot of ballots dropped off from Election Day to process!
2. A signature verification is completed, comparing the signature on the return envelope to the signature on the voter's registration form or other official election document. Voters are notified if we can't verify their sig.
3. After sig verification and eligibility check (verifying they haven't voted anywhere else in CA), ballots are extracted from the identification envelope. Once this happens, there is no way to tie the voted ballot back to a voter to ensure voter privacy.
4a. Voted ballots are opened and inspected for damages and for any voter intent markings outside the oval. Only red pens are allowed with voted ballots as our ballot counting machines (tabulators) do not read red ink.
4b. If the ballot is damaged (torn/stains/smudges), the voter's choices are remade on a clean ballot by a a team of two, then reviewed by another QC team where they log a unique number on both the damaged ballot and the new, remade ballot so we can always locate the original
4c. We do not keep any pre-printed ballots at our office. All ballots are printed "on demand" using state certified ballot printers. Like our tabulators, they are located in a secured, 24 hr surveilled room, with limited access & "buddy system" with the equipment at all times.
5. Ballots are then counted on machines connected to a local server that is not connected to the internet. Batches of ballots are logged and recorded for filing and auditing purposes. WATCH LIVE http://tinyurl.com/y6gft56b
6. Adjudication: scanned ballots are reviewed by teams of two (and then another QC team) to resolve any voter intent issues or mistakes on the ballot. Every decision made is logged. If a voter's intent cannot be verified, no changes will be made.
7. Tabulation will stop so we can tally all counted ballots together for an update. Those results will be sent to our local reporting server and results will be transferred to a designated PC using a one-time use USB drive so it can be published to our website
8. Ballots are stored in a secured cage, under 24 hr surveillance, after counting, then reviewed during our manual tally audit and reconciling procedures, starting next week! Rushing the counting process causes mistakes (just like rushing my last thread!) END
