ORANGE COUNTY, CA - - Yesterday, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a letter to California’s 58 County elections officials asking them to count ballots faster in the June Statewide Primary election, implying lengthy counting processes encourages distrust and “lies."

Just last year Weber announced there just wasn’t an ability to count ballots faster. Something obviously Governor Newsom now tells us there is.

Just a few days ago Shirley Weber dug in on the long counting process telling Cal Matters, “I know the value of being fast for some folks...For me, accuracy is far more important.”

Don Wagner, candidate for Secretary of State issued the following rebuttal:

“We need accurate, speedy ballot counting,” said Don Wagner. “Why can’t we have both? Why won’t the State’s Chief Elections Officer commit to protecting the integrity of our elections. For years we have been told by partisan politicians that speeding up the process of counting ballots wasn’t achievable. We know that isn’t true. Even Gavin Newsom recognizes that ballot counting efficiency is paramount to the perception that our process is failing. For years I have been stating we can strengthen our Democratic process without sacrificing integrity. This is not a partisan issue, this is a good process issue. We just need a Secretary of State who will put politics aside and embrace the process improvements.”

ABOUT DON WAGNER

As a former State Assembly Member, Irvine Mayor, College Board Trustee, and Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, Supervisor Don Wagner has a distinguished career of public service and a well-earned reputation as a straight-shooter, fiscal watchdog and champion for working families, small businesses, first responders and veterans of our armed services.

Don and his wife, Megan, are longtime residents of Orange County. Don received his bachelor’s degree from UCLA and his Juris Doctorate from the University of California, Hastings College of Law.

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