How Shasta County Elections Are Conducted Step by Step and How the Public Can Verify the Process

Elections do not happen in a single moment on Election Day.

They are a series of steps that begin weeks earlier and continue through certification.

Clint Curtis believes public confidence grows when voters can see and verify each step of the process, not just be told that everything was done correctly.

As County Clerk, Clint Curtis has worked to ensure Shasta County elections are conducted in a way that is orderly, observable, verifiable, and fully within the law — with oversight welcomed from both the public and the California Secretary of State.

Ballot Preparation and Receipt

The election process begins long before votes are counted.

Mail-in ballots are received, sorted, and prepared in a controlled environment. Ballots are handled in a way that limits unnecessary movement and ensures accountability from the moment they arrive.

Ballot activity is concentrated in a single area rather than spread across multiple rooms or floors. This reduces risk and allows observation without disruption.

Signature Verification

Before ballots are opened, signatures are verified as required by law.

This step ensures only eligible ballots proceed in the process. Signature verification is conducted according to established standards and can be observed in a way that protects voter privacy while allowing the public to understand how the process works.

Chain of Custody at Every Step

One of the most important principles guiding Shasta County elections is continuous chain of custody.

Ballots are stored in transparent containers and sealed using security seals. Every transfer is documented so it is clear where ballots are, who handled them, and when.

Ballots do not move freely through the building. They are not left unsecured or placed in opaque containers. Chain of custody follows the ballots at all times, creating a clear and verifiable record of their handling.

Public Observation Without Interference

Public observation is not treated as an intrusion.

Observers are welcomed and provided meaningful access to view election activities without interfering with the work being done. Observation areas are designed to allow the public to see processes clearly while maintaining a professional working environment for staff.

This balance allows verification while protecting the integrity and efficiency of the election process.

Ballot Opening, Duplication, and Preparation for Counting

Once signatures are verified, ballots are prepared for tabulation.

Ballots that require duplication due to damage or markings are handled through defined procedures. When duplication can be observed without compromising voter privacy, it is done openly. When privacy must be protected, bipartisan teams are used to ensure fairness and accountability.

Each category of ballot is tracked and documented so it can be reconciled later if necessary.

Tabulation and Machine Oversight

Shasta County uses certified voting systems, and tabulation is conducted according to established procedures.

Machines are prepared and verified prior to use, and their operation can be observed. Ballots are processed in defined batches, each with documentation that allows them to be traced through the system.

Vendor support and technical guidance are utilized when appropriate to ensure equipment is functioning as intended.

Reconciliation, Audits, and Certification

After votes are counted, results are reconciled.

Ballot totals are compared against voter participation to ensure accuracy. Required audits, including the one-percent manual tally, are conducted as required by law and are open to observation.

Only after reconciliation and audits are completed are results certified.

Oversight and Cooperation With the Secretary of State

Changes made to improve visibility and verification are not done in isolation.

Clint Curtis consults with the California Secretary of State to ensure that new or refined procedures designed to increase public confidence remain fully compliant with the law.

Oversight is welcomed, not resisted. Verification strengthens elections when it is done responsibly and within legal guardrails.

Why This Approach Matters

Elections belong to the people.

When voters can see how elections are conducted — from ballot receipt to certification — confidence does not have to be argued for. It is earned naturally through visibility, documentation, and accountability.

Shasta County elections are being conducted in a way that allows both the public and the state to verify the process step by step.

Clint Curtis believes elections should be strong enough to withstand scrutiny.

By following the law, welcoming observation, maintaining chain of custody, and working cooperatively with the Secretary of State, Shasta County elections are administered with both discipline and openness.

This approach protects voters, election workers, and the integrity of the process itself.

Clint Curtis for Shasta County Clerk

Elections Every Citizen Can See for Themselves