Ben Spear

The board addressed new business items including the approval of Resolution 26-03, which concerns amendments to the Voter Registration Form to include additional languages and updates to the identification section. Additionally, the board approved Resolution 26-04, authorizing an upgrade to the KNOWiNK electronic poll book system, specifically for PollPad version 4.2.1, following successful functional and security testing.

The Board discussed several operational updates, including the impacts of recent special elections and progress on the 2026 election season. Key technical projects reviewed include the implementation of automatic voter registration, the development of an integrated software system for campaign finance, and the creation of a new voting and election database. The Board also reviewed the status of active litigation, compliance activities regarding non-filers, and public information initiatives. Formal actions taken during the meeting included the approval of voting system upgrades, the adoption of a formal opinion permitting contributions in the form of cryptocurrency, the reappointment of a hearing officer, and the approval of the 2026 legislative package.

The Board convened as the State Board of Canvassers to certify the general election results, including judicial districts, a statewide proposition, and a special assembly election. The Commissioners discussed unit reports covering the 2025 general election, manual recounts, online and automatic voter registration progress, software vendor updates, cybersecurity, poll worker training, and grants. The meeting included the adoption of regulations regarding campaign code proceedings, write-in vote standards, voter registration transmittal submissions, and conflicts of interest. The Board reviewed Fair Campaign Code complaints and authorized an automated audit tool test. Additionally, an advisory opinion regarding the use of campaign funds for security expenses was adopted.

The meeting was held to review ballot access issues for the current year's ballot. The board examined a staff report on Prima Facie and objection reviews, which included information on candidate petitions, issues raised, and staff recommendations. The commissioners also discussed pending court actions related to certain ballot access cases, specifically noting that while some court determinations had been made, matters remained pending due to the possibility of appeals. The commissioners voted unanimously to accept the staff report as submitted.

The board discussed several operational updates from various units, including executive reports on voter registration, election operations, legal and compliance matters, enforcement investigations, public information, accessibility efforts, and IT projects. New business items included the certification of the Hart Verity 2.7.9 voting system, a formal opinion on cryptocurrency, the reappointment of a hearing officer, and the approval of the 2026 legislative packet.