To: Board of Supervisors
From: Kristin Connelly, Clerk-Recorder
Report Title: Budget Amendment No. BDA-26-01067 authorizing new revenue from the State of California in the amount of $1,179,000 to the Clerk Recorder/Elections Department
Recommendation: Recommendation of the County Administrator
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE Budget Amendment No. BDA-26-01067 authorizing new revenue from the State of California in the amount of $1,179,000 to the Clerk Recorder/Elections Department for expediting the vote counting process and providing voter outreach and education for the November 3, 2026, Statewide General Election and increase corresponding expenditure appropriations by the same amount.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Acceptance of the state allocation will result in an increase of $1,179,000 in budgeted revenue and appropriations for the Clerk-Recorder Elections Department for FY 2026/27. The funding source is 100% State, with no County General Fund impact or local match requirement. The allocation is restricted to eligible election-related activities as defined by state law and is not anticipated to create any ongoing fiscal obligations for the County beyond the 2026 Statewide General Election.
BACKGROUND:
The Clerk-Recorder Elections Department is responsible for administering federal, state, and local elections in Contra Costa County, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations governing the conduct of elections in California. In recent years, the administering of elections has become increasingly complex due to evolving statutory requirements, technological advancements, and heightened public expectations for timely and transparent election results. The November 3, 2026, Statewide General Election is anticipated to see continued high voter participation and increased demand for both in-person and vote-by-mail services, reflecting statewide trends and local demographic shifts.
Historically, the County has relied on a combination of local resources, cost recovery from participating jurisdictions, and periodic state and federal funding to support election operations. However, the scale and complexity of recent statewide elections have placed additional operational and outreach demands on county election offices. In response, the State of California, through Senate Bill 111 (Chapter 21, Statutes of 2026), established a targeted allocation to counties to address the need for expedited vote counting and enhanced voter outreach and education for the 2026 general election. The State notified Contra Costa County of the $1.179 million allocation in August 2026.
The allocation of state funding to Contra Costa County is part of a broader statewide initiative to strengthen election integrity and public confidence by supporting counties in meeting statutory deadlines for ballot processing and certification as expeditiously as possible. The funds are also to be used in reaching underrepresented and language minority communities with accurate election information. The Department’s approach to utilizing these funds will be guided by the specific purposes and restrictions set forth in the enabling legislation and by best practices identified through prior election cycles.
The proposed action is consistent with the County’s ongoing efforts to modernize election administration, improve service delivery, and ensure equitable access to the electoral process for all eligible voters. Acceptance of the state allocation will enable the Department to implement operational improvements and outreach strategies that would not otherwise be feasible within existing budgetary constraints.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If the recommended action is not approved, the Clerk-Recorder Elections Department will be unable to access the state-allocated funds designated for expediting the vote counting process and for conducting voter outreach and education for the November 3, 2026, Statewide General Election. As a result, the Department may lack sufficient resources to implement operational enhancements and outreach activities that are specifically supported by this allocation, potentially impacting the timely processing of ballots and the effectiveness of voter education efforts.