To: Board of Supervisors
From: Kristin Connelly, Clerk-Recorder
Report Title: Election Integrity Public Outreach Campaign
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Clerk-Recorder, or designee, to execute a contract with Brown-Miller Communications, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $672,575 to conduct an election integrity public outreach campaign for the period November 1, 2023 through December 31, 2024.
FISCAL IMPACT:
$672,575. 100% County General Fund, to be reimbursed with Center for Elections Excellence grant funding, within the department’s operating budget.
BACKGROUND:
The Contra Costa Election Division (CCED) is actively engaged in voter education efforts to raise awareness of and restore public trust in the election process. The polarization of certain segments of society and the increasing influence of social media attacking the integrity of elections makes a proactive citizen education and information campaign more vital than ever. It will require a concerted, resourced, and sustained effort to address this challenge. CCED completed a competitive bid process and selected Brown Miller Communications to develop and implement a campaign through the end of 2024 focused on bolstering understanding and respect for the integrity of the ballot in Contra Costa County.
The Clerk-Recorder secured grant funding to be used for promoting public trust in the conduct of elections and is desirous of a public relations campaign to promote transparency in election processes and address mis/dis/mal-information throughout the 2024 Presidential Election Cycle. Brown-Miller Communications, Inc., is a local firm knowledgeable of Contra Costa’s diverse communities and will coordinate with the Clerk-Recorder to disseminate timely and relevant information.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
The Clerk-Recorder would have to repurpose a large portion of grant funding, potentially forcing a substantial amount to be returned to the grantor. The Clerk-Recorder would be less capable of proactively addressing publicly circulating information regarding election security.