15 California counties introduce new voting process

Gabriela Gomez

The county of Los Angeles
15 California counties will be voting through a new technological system for the March 3 primary elections.

Voters in 15 counties in California, including Los Angeles County, have a new process to cast their votes for the March 3 primary. Since Feb. 22, voters were able to use the new devices, a touch screen electronic tool similar to many mobile devices, which were approved by Secretary of State Alex Padilla. 

Under the new Voter’s Choice Act passed in 2016, voters are given greater flexibility by allowing them to choose when, where and how they cast their ballot. Under this act, each voter is mailed a ballot and will also have the opportunity to vote through the new electronic system. 

The voter will receive a paper ballot that they will scan into the device. They will make their candidate selections through the device, receive a printed summary of their choices and then cast their physical ballot. The new devices will accommodate people with physical limitations or language abilities.  

As a part of the approval, voters must be given the option to use a hand-marked paper ballot instead of the new machine. Multiple locations across Los Angeles will be available to voters. The closest location to Daniel Pearl Magnet High School is the 31st District PTSA Office.