Trust Our Local Elections

Democracy is alive and well in Del Norte County!

While some people in other states and counties have spread allegations of voter fraud, in Del Norte County we still have faith in our election administration. Evidence of this was demonstrated this year when our Registrar of Voters, Alissia Northrup ran unopposed.

In other counties, election officials have been harassed and even threatened by people who did not like the outcome of an election. Locally this has not occurred.

Even though our Elections Clerk is a Republican and I am a Democrat, I trust that our elections are run fairly, and the votes are counted accurately. When I ran for 5th District Supervisor in 2020 against Bob Berkowitz, I did not win, but never did I think about claiming that there was voter fraud or that the vote count was wrong.

Sometimes candidates simply do not get enough votes and they lose. It is a critical requirement of our democracy that we trust our elections and accept the outcome. When an election is over, we should all come together to solve the many problems and challenges that we face.

This year we have elections in June and November. It is a good sign for our county that so many people have stepped up to run for County Supervisor. I will have my preferences, but I respect all the candidates that have offered to serve our community.

I especially want to recognize the late Supervisor Bob Berkowitz for his commitment to our community. We were on the opposite side of many elections, but every time the election was over, we both agreed to work together for the common good.

The Board of Supervisors was right to schedule an election to let the people vote to fill the vacancy in the 5th District created by the passing of Supervisor Berkowitz, but I also think it would be a good idea for Governor Newsom to make an interim appointment, as the law allows. 

These two options are not mutually exclusive.

Due to Supervisor Berkowitz’s illness, it has been about a year since the 5th District has had full time representation. If we wait until after the 2022 election is settled it could be another 9 to 10 months before the 5th District has a new Supervisor.

With 5 people running for 5th District Supervisor, it is highly unlikely that any candidate will win outright in June with more than 50% of the votes. This would mean that the new Supervisor will not be elected until November and a replacement could not be seated until December or January.

This is too long to wait for the residents of the 5th District to be represented; an interim appointment is justified.

I know that Governor Newsom cares about Del Norte County and is aware of our situation. I believe that this appointment should happen soon. 

It would be right for the people of the 5th District to have representation now while the local election proceeds on its normal course.