"In early 2018, California Secretary of State Alex Padilla pointed to aging voting systems as one of the gravest threats to election integrity," the commission's overview reads on the project.
Gov. Jerry Brown has slated $134.3 million toward funding county voting technology.
"In addition, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018 provides California with up to $34 million in Help America Vote Act Election Security Funds to update equipment and make security improvements," the overview continues.
"The purpose of the study is to examine the policies and processes governing the security of voting equipment in California," LHC Acting Executive Director Jeanne R. Wolfe told Techwire today in an email. "The commission aims to learn if these measures are sufficient to protect the security of cast ballots or if adjustments need to be made to enhance security. This study is designed to answer questions about voting equipment security raised during the Commission’s ongoing voter participation study."
"We’ve been working with the Secretary of State’s office, county registrars, security researchers both in and outside of academia, legal and election experts, nonprofit organizations and voter advocates," Wolfe noted. "Additionally, we are drawing on information provided and issues raised during our voter participation study, and have followed up with some of those witnesses. This study is only just beginning, and we expect to work with many more stakeholders as the Commission develops recommendations for the Governor and Legislature."
The commission was created in 1962 as an oversight agency on California's state government and economy. The agency is independent but its functions are ingrained in statute, offering unbiased review of policies and procedures in the government, especially on funds.
"The Milton Marks 'Little Hoover' Commission on California State Government Organization and Economy (Commission) is the state's only independent and citizen-based oversight mechanism," the state budget says. Its mission is:
- Improve outcomes of its programs
- Increase government transparency
- Reduce spending without sacrificing services
- Eliminate duplication or wasteful practices
- Consolidate services or abolish, create and reorganize government to better meet the needs of Californians
The July 26 hearing will take place at 9:30 a.m. in the State Capitol, Room 437.
