Q&A: Getting Ready for Election Season with Lynda Roberts, Marin County Registrar of Voters

Q: What is the role of the Marin County Registrar of Voters?   

A: As the department head, I oversee all aspects of managing elections and mandated responsibilities.  Including me, we have a team of 12 people.  Various roles include candidate services, voter registration, vote-by-mail, vote centers and election workers, military and overseas voters, voter education and outreach, ballot creation and tabulation, logistics and equipment. 

Q: What are the trends you've seen in the past five years relating to voting in Marin?   

A: Since November 2020, over 90% are voting by mail.  Before that it was in the 70-80% range (going back to 2014). 

Q: In terms of voter turnout and elections, how does Marin differ from surrounding counties, if at all?   

A: Marin is usually in the top five for turnout, only behind smaller counties. Sometimes Marin is #1 or 2 in the state. 

Q: What are the biggest challenges Marin County faces in terms of elections?   

A: Deadlines – there is a lot of work to do in a very short amount of time, and it all needs to be accurate. 

Q: What are your top priorities in terms of voting/elections in Marin, for this upcoming election and beyond?   

A: Maintaining the long-standing reputation of well-run elections. 

Q: What are your suggestions for would-be voters before this coming election?  

• Read the County Voter Information Guide that will be mailed starting the end of September 

• Don’t wait until the last minute to vote—this is going to be a very long ballot 

• If you vote in person, take advantage of the early voting days (info is in the voter guide) 

• If you vote by mail, make sure to mail the ballot back in plenty of time so it arrives before Election Day; waiting until Election Day to return a ballot by mail could mean a late postmark (i.e. postmarked after Election Day), or late delivery (after the 7-day window).  OR use one of the official ballot drop boxes that will be available starting on October 8 

• Sign your ballot return envelope and make sure your signature compares with your voter registration form—this will be the signature on your driver’s license if you registered online or at the DMV; otherwise, you may stop by the office to see your signature—or you may re-register to update your signature 

• If you moved since the March election, re-register now so we have your correct residence and mailing address 

• Track your ballot by signing up for the free service offered by the Secretary of State’s Office (https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/); this service lets voters know when we have mailed their ballot and received and processed their ballot