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Santa Monica Prepares for Elections
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By Lookout Staff October 15, 2024 -- The Santa Monica Police Department is "taking proactive measures" to safeguard the voting process, while the Big Blue Bus (BBB) will offer free rides on Election Day. The initiatives are part of an effort to ensure that the November 5 general elections -- which will help decide everything from control of the City Council to the next President of the United States. -- run smoothly and voters can easily get to the polls. "As election day approaches, the SMPD’s focus remains on being prepared, vigilant, and collaborative," said Lt. Erika Aklufi, the Police Department spokesperson. "We are fully committed to safeguarding the voting process while also maintaining a delicate balance between ensuring public safety and protecting the rights of residents and other individuals," Aklufi said. The Department is scanning "for any potential threats that could disrupt voting at polling centers and ballot boxes" and closely monitoring social media platforms "to detect any early signs of possible interference or unrest." Police officials are meeting with surrounding law enforcement agencies and the local NAACP and the Los Angeles ADL office "to stay informed and work collaboratively with community partners," Aklufi said. SMPD's Planning and Intelligence Team is "developing reference materials and delivering specialized training" to patrol officers "to ensure they are well-equipped for election day." The materials include comprehensive lists of polling locations and ballot boxes, "which will be essential for situational awareness and maintaining the peace," Aklufi said. Officers receive updates twice a week "on emerging trends and any potential threats that could compromise public safety during the election period." "We aim to create an environment where every voter feels secure and empowered to participate in the democratic process," Aklufi said. "Our goal is simple: ensure that the elections proceed smoothly, free from disruptions, and that everyone’s right to vote is protected." Voting is already underway after the Los Angeles County Registrar began mailing Vote by Mail ballots to voters on October 7. Voters will elect four City Council members from among 10 candidates in the November 5 race with two major slates vying for control of the seven-member Council. The Rent Control Board and College Board elections have been canceled due to a lack of candidates, while the only challenger in the race for three School Board seats has dropped out. The Nomination Period to run as a Write-In Candidate for Council and School Board ends next Tuesday. One write-in candidate, Nathaniel Isaac Jones, Jr., has filed nomination papers. Santa Monica voters also will weigh in on four local ballot measures, including a $495 million bond -- Measure QS -- to improve facilities on local campuses. Voters have until October 21 to register and receive a Vote-by-Mail ballot, according to the City Clerk's office. Voters can also register at the following locations:
In person voting will begin October 26, when 11-Day Vote Centers open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., while 4-Day Vote Centers open on November 2 from 10 a.m. to 7: p.m. On Election Day, November 5, vote centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information visit the City Clerk's Elections page |
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