Election Security: Kern County could ditch current cameras at ballot drop boxes

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. --- (KBAK/FOX58)A Kern County Board of Supervisors briefing on the 2024 elections turns into a conversation about the future of cameras near ballot drop boxes.

Kern County Auditor-Controller-Clerk Aimee Espinoza announced that her office will not support an online livestream of county ballot drop box sites. Espinoza citing existing cameras that can be viewed on business days at the Kern County Elections Office.

"We do have cameras on each of our drop boxes and we do stream them here to our office," Espinoza said.

In her presentation, Espinoza cited privacy and taxpayer concerns for the reasons behind not supporting a livestream. Espinoza's office estimated a new camera system would cost more than $500,000 in its first year and consistently over $230,000 for its implementation in subsequent years. Eyewitness News then asked if there is future where the current cameras may not be used at all.





https://www.bakersfieldnow.com/news/elections-2024/election-security-kern-county-could-ditch-current-cameras-at-ballot-drop-boxes