From L to R: Assistant Registrar of Voters Justin White, IVN Publisher Ta Lese Morrow, Registrar of Voters Joani Finwall, and Elections Specialist Thalia Amador pictured outside of the early voting location, Rancho Cucamonga, on May 28, 2026.

With the June 2 Statewide Direct Primary Election fast approaching, Inland Valley News Publisher Ta Lese Morrow sat down with San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters Joani Finwall to discuss election integrity, voter confidence, and the many opportunities available for residents to cast their ballots before Election Day.

As the county’s chief elections official, Finwall oversees an operation that works year-round to ensure elections are conducted fairly, securely, and transparently. While the Registrar of Voters Office operates with a core staff of approximately 50 employees, that workforce expands significantly during election season, growing to as many as 300 temporary employees and nearly 3,000 poll workers who help administer elections across San Bernardino County.

During the conversation at an early voting location in Rancho Cucamonga, Finwall offered a behind-the-scenes look at the extensive planning, staffing, and safeguards required to conduct elections for one of California’s largest counties.

“One of the best ways to ensure election integrity is transparency,” Finwall said. “When people have questions or concerns, we want them to come and observe the process firsthand.”

That commitment to transparency, she explained, extends to every aspect of election administration—from ballot processing and signature verification to vote tabulation and election-day operations. Members of the public are welcome to observe many parts of the election process, providing an opportunity to better understand how votes are counted and safeguarded.

Finwall emphasized that voter safety remains a top priority. Election workers are trained to identify and report concerns, and county officials work closely with law enforcement to ensure polling locations remain free from voter intimidation.

“We want every voter to feel comfortable and confident when they cast their ballot,” she said.

One of the tools available to voters is California’s ballot tracking system, which allows voters to monitor their ballot from the moment it is mailed until it is officially counted.

Through text messages, emails, or phone notifications, voters receive updates when their ballot is sent, delivered, received by election officials, and processed.

Finwall said the system helps build trust by giving voters direct visibility into their ballot’s journey.

“It’s one more way voters can see that their vote is being counted,” she said.

Among the most common issues election officials encounter are unsigned return envelopes and ballots accidentally placed in the wrong envelope.

“When multiple family members receive ballots at the same address, it’s easy to mix them up,” Finwall explained. “The most important thing voters can do is make sure they sign their return envelope.”

Fortunately, many ballot issues can be corrected through what election officials call the “cure process.” If a signature is missing or cannot be verified, election officials contact the voter and provide instructions on how to resolve the issue.

The same commitment applies to damaged ballots.

Whether a ballot is torn, marked unusually, or contains other irregularities, election workers review it carefully to determine voter intent whenever possible.

“Our goal is to count every eligible ballot,” Finwall said.

Finwall also addressed a common misconception about provisional voting.

Provisional ballots are often issued when voters need to update registration information or when eligibility must be verified before a vote can be counted.

Contrary to popular belief, Finwall said provisional ballots are not discarded or ignored.

“We verify the information, confirm eligibility, and then count those ballots,” she explained. “The myth that provisional ballots don’t count simply isn’t true.”

She added that California election law requires election officials to accept and process ballots that are postmarked by Election Day, even if they arrive several days later, ensuring every eligible vote has an opportunity to be counted.

Advances in technology have also helped streamline election administration while maintaining strict security protocols.

Electronic poll books allow election workers to verify voter eligibility in real time, while signature verification software assists staff in comparing signatures on returned ballots with those on file.

However, Finwall stressed that technology does not replace human oversight.

“If there’s any question about a signature, it goes through additional manual review,” she said. “There are multiple layers of verification.”

Behind the scenes, hundreds of temporary workers and thousands of poll workers support the Registrar of Voters Office during election periods. Together, they staff voting locations, process ballots, assist voters, verify information, and help ensure every eligible vote is counted accurately. Finwall credited the dedication of her team as one of the office’s greatest strengths.

While election security remains a major topic of discussion nationwide, Finwall believes one of the biggest challenges facing election officials is voter disengagement.

Many residents, she said, feel their vote does not matter or that one person’s voice cannot make a difference.

Her response is simple: every vote counts.

“This is where your voice matters,” Finwall said. “Whether it’s a school board election, city council race, water board, county office, or statewide office, this is how residents make their voices heard.”

She encouraged voters to review their voter guides, research candidates and issues, talk with family members and neighbors, and most importantly, participate.

“Take that first step,” she said. “Even if you feel disconnected, engage in the process.”

For voters looking to avoid Election Day crowds, San Bernardino County is offering several convenient options.

The Registrar of Voters Office, located at 777 E. Rialto Avenue in San Bernardino, has been accepting ballots since May 4 and continues to offer early voting services.

Additionally, nine satellite early voting locations are now open throughout the county, including:

• Adelanto Senior Center
• Apple Valley Golf Course
• Dana Park Community Center in Barstow
• Neighborhood Activity Center in Chino
• Joshua Tree Community Center
• Ontario Conference Center
• Rancho Cucamonga Early Voting Center
• Child Support Services in Victorville
• Yucaipa Community Center

Early voting locations are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through June 1, with the exception of Sunday, May 31, when locations will be closed. On Election Day, Tuesday, June 2, all voting locations will operate from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

County officials also noted that more than 200 polling places will be open across San Bernardino County on Election Day.

Voters who choose to vote by mail must ensure their ballot is postmarked on or before June 2, 2026, to be counted.

“Our county has made it easy to vote in the way that works best for you,” Finwall said. “We encourage every eligible voter to plan ahead, be informed, and take advantage of the many opportunities available to cast their ballot.”

For additional election information, polling locations, ballot tracking, and frequently asked questions, voters can visit the county’s voter information website or follow the Registrar of Voters on social media.

As Election Day approaches, Finwall hopes residents remember one simple message:

“Your Vote. Your Choice. Make It Count.”