Ballot harvesting question adds new wrinkle to Indio election
Yesterday, staring down a 138-vote deficit against challenger Waymond Fermon in the race for the Indio City Council District 2 seat, Mayor Mike Wilson announced his intent to call for a recall and contended that “ballot harvesting” during the election.
The practice is, however, is not illegal. Two years ago, Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 1921 into law, which allows third parties to collect and turn voters’ ballots in the election. Before Brown signed off on the law, only family members were allowed to bring in ballots.
“It seems like the concerns are just coming from Mike Wilson and he’s unhappy with the results. We’re encouraging democracy and getting people to vote,” said Tizoc Deaztlan, a campaign advisor for Fermon.
In a statement today, Wilson doubled down on his opposition to the legally-allowed exercise.
“It has become extremely clear in this Campaign a practice of “ballot harvesting” took place and those ballots were delivered on election day to stuff absentee ballot boxes. Though not necessarily illegal, in my opinion, and many supporters opinion, it is a very unethical practice that has occurred in California.”
Though no proof of fraud in this election, the new law can leave room for concern, according to legal expert Michael Harrington.
“But with a third party being able to go out literally door to door, there is that possibility there could be fraud, pressure, literally harvesting to get more ballots,” Harrington said.
To Fermon’s team, this is just another way to get out the vote.
“The so-called ballot harvesting is actually just encouraging people to vote and empowering them,” Deaztlan said. “These are his residents that cast votes and he’s complaining about their votes being cast.”
One resident told News Channel 3 he believes in the election process and says it’s time someone new.
“I know he has mixed feelings about the results, but it shows there’s a need for change,” said Bill Holzhauer, an Indio resident and member of the East-West Alliance. “I believe he is out of touch with the people he represents.”
Indio city council member Oscar Ortiz told News Channel 3 he has yet to see any fraud in this election or if “ballot harvesting” could have caused legitimate concerns.
In Tuesday’s update from the Registrars’ office, Fermon was ahead by 156 votes. According to to the Registrar, approximately 1,000 vote-by-mail and 10,000 provisional ballots still need to be processed. Final results are expected to come on Thursday upon certification.
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