WOODLAND, Calif. —
Fears of harassment and threats have put local election offices on high alert after several incidents across the country and California.
In February, To The Point reported on efforts by Yolo County to remodel its elections office ahead of the November 2024 presidential election to keep staff safe.
Previously the front counter was open with little separation between staff and the public. Now the front counter is enclosed with plexiglass.
"So, prior to this plexiglass, there was just an opening and there was security concerns that have been brought up not only throughout California, but nationwide," Yolo County Registrar of Voters Jesse Salinas told ABC10. "We knew that staff wanted to feel more secure than they were.”
The door to enter the election office was a simple swing door that required no badge. That door has now been replaced with a real door.
“We actually have a secure door that is completely locked up and you have to actually have a badge," Salinas said.
There's even been a few changes in the back, including a wall that was removed.
“We knocked that wall down to be able to make sure it was more open and inviting for viewers who want to come and watch our process,” Salinas said.
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ABC10 asked how the election office staff has received the new changes.
Salinas said staff has been excited about the remodeling efforts.
"We made sure that their health and well-being and safety was a primary concern for us.," Salinas said. "We wanted them to go into this election, having confidence that we were taking care of them and that we were doing everything possible to make sure that they were safe and secure.”
Part of their preparation for any election includes working alongside local law enforcement, the FBI, the Department Homeland Security and a number of agencies statewide.
“We've got an infrastructure in place to make sure that we're ready”.
His message for voters during this election is be patient.
“Probably the most critical thing I think is that it is going to be a close election.”
Salinas said the certification won't take place until early December.
“December 3rd is the earliest you'll be able to actually certify the election. So that is a key date that I want folks to keep in mind," Salinas said. "So there is a process, be patient with your registrars as they go through the process.”
WATCH MORE: As Election night nears, officials are urging people to be cautious when casting their ballot and to be responsible in doing so.
