How to Observe the November 4, 2025 Statewide Special Election Process

The Humboldt County Office of Elections invites members of the Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury, political party organizations, the media and any member of the public interested in the election process to observe all aspects of the November 4, 2025 Statewide Special Election.

Logic and Accuracy Testing

Logic and accuracy testing of the county's voting machines will begin on Monday, Sept. 29 at 10 a.m. Before to each election, the Office of Elections tests ballots and equipment to ensure correct readings of all ballot types. Ballot counting equipment is also tested to make sure it is fully functional and counting votes accurately. A specific Logic and Accuracy Observer Panel of up to two people will be convened to certify the validity and outcome of the testing, pursuant to the California Secretary of State's approved logic and accuracy procedures. This process is open to the public.

With the help of Access Humboldt, logic and accuracy testing will be livestreamed on the County of Humboldt's YouTube channel and on Optimum Cable Channels 8, 10, 11 and 12 and WAVE Cable Channel 7 on Monday, Sept. 10 at 10 a.m.

Ballot Processing

Vote by mail ballot processing will begin Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 8 a.m. and ballot counting will continue through Election Day on Nov. 4. Results from counted vote by mail ballots will be available shortly after 8 p.m. on Election Day. Counting will resume on Thursday, Nov. 6 and continue through certification of the election on Thursday, Dec. 4. All ballot processing and counting will take place at the Humboldt County Office of Elections, located at 2426 Sixth St. in Eureka. This process is also open for public observation.

1% Manual Tally

Pursuant to California Election Code Sections 336.5 and 15360, one percent of the voting precincts in an election is randomly selected for manual tallying of ballot votes to verify the accuracy of the automated count. Additionally, one precinct for each contest not included in the initial random selection is randomly selected and manually tallied. Humboldt County's random draw for the 1% manual tally of precincts will commence at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4 and the tally will begin on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 8 a.m. This manual tally is open to the public and shall continue daily until completed, except on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays unless otherwise determined by the Humboldt County Registrar of Voters.

How to Observe the Election Process

Observers will be welcomed at the Elections Office and at Vote Center locations while they are open through Election Day. Those interested in observing any aspect of the November 4, 2025 Statewide Special Election process must contact the Elections Office at least 24 hours in advance.

For more information, please call 707-445-7481 or email [email protected].

About the Humboldt County Office of Elections

The Humboldt County Office of Elections is committed to ensuring all eligible residents have an opportunity to exercise their right to vote, conducting elections in a fair, accurate and efficient manner, and providing reliable information and the best possible service to voters, districts, candidates and other interested parties. For more information, visit humboldtgov.org/elections.