Kern County considers restructuring election responsibilities amid criticism
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — (KBAK/FOX58) Aimee Espinoza, Kern County's Auditor-Controller-County Clerk, may soon see her role change following a recent Kern County Board of Supervisors meeting.
During the meeting, Espinoza defended her performance as the county's chief election officer, a position the Board of Supervisors is considering altering. Supervisor Jeff Flores of District 3 said, "We have to improve, change the structure, and make it a standalone agency with a singular focus which is improving elections in Kern County."
Flores explained that the county's expansion and changes to election law in Sacramento are driving the proposal to create a new registrar of voters position, separate from Espinoza's current duties. Espinoza has faced criticism over the past year for issues such as ineligible voters casting ballots in a tight school district race and a lack of transparency regarding voter surveillance at ballot drop boxes.
When asked if these issues influenced the decision to potentially remove Espinoza's registrar powers, Flores said, "No, I look at it as structural reform, organizational improvement about process not about personalities." He complimented Espinoza, stating, "I have to commend Aimee. Given the number of elections, the specialization. I think it is really important that we have a standalone department."
https://bakersfieldnow.com/news/local/kern-county-considers-restructuring-election-responsibilities-amid-criticism