As the Nov. 3 general election approaches, the city of Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara Police Department (SBPD) are reminding community members that everyone should be able to participate in the electoral process safely, freely, and without intimidation, threats or interference.
“The city and SBPD are committed to protecting public safety, respecting the rights of all community members, and ensuring that concerns about election-related criminal activity are addressed appropriately,” the city said. “Voters should feel confident exercising their right to vote without fear of intimidation or retaliation.”
“Every member of our community should feel safe participating in the electoral process,” said Police Chief Kelly Gordon. “Our role at the Santa Barbara Police Department is to look out for the community, respond to concerns, and enforce the law fairly.
“If you experience threats or intimidation, please reach out. We will listen and take your concerns seriously.”
Election-related concerns may include, but are not limited to:
• Threats, intimidation, harassment, or coercion intended to prevent someone from voting or influencing how they vote.
• Physical violence or credible threats of violence involving voters, election workers, or election facilities.
• Blocking or interfering with access to a polling place, voter service center, or ballot drop-off location.
• Tampering with or damaging ballots, ballot drop boxes, voting equipment, or other election materials.
• Impersonating election officials, or engaging in conduct intended to deceive voters about voting procedures or eligibility.
• Other conduct that may violate California election laws or applicable criminal statutes.
Not every disagreement, political activity, or election-related concern constitutes a crime. Reports will be evaluated individually, based on the circumstances and applicable law, officials said.
How to report election-related concerns
Community members are encouraged to report concerns through the appropriate channels.
- Emergencies or immediate threats to safety. Call 911 if there is an immediate threat to life or safety, violence in progress, or another emergency requiring an immediate police response.
- Suspected criminal activity within the city of Santa Barbara. To report suspected criminal activity, threats, intimidation, vandalism, or interference occurring within the city that does not require an immediate emergency response, contact the Santa Barbara Police Department’s non-emergency dispatch line, 805-882-8900.
SBPD will assess reported incidents, respond as appropriate, investigate potential criminal violations within its jurisdiction, and coordinate with relevant authorities when necessary.
- Questions or complaints concerning voting procedures. For questions about voter registration, ballot status, voting locations, ballot drop boxes, or election administration, contact the Santa Barbara County Elections Division: Santa Barbara County Elections: 805-568-2200; Toll-free voter information: 800-722-8683; Online resources: Visit City of Santa Barbara Elections for links to official county election resources.
- Suspected violations of California election law. Community members may also report suspected election-related criminal violations to the California Secretary of State through its Election Voter Complaint process.
When reporting a concern, provide as much factual information as possible, including the location, time, nature of the incident, and any available witness information. Do not put yourself at risk to obtain evidence or confront individuals involved.
SBPD’s role is to protect the public, respond to calls for service, investigate potential criminal conduct, and enforce applicable laws impartially, the department said.
“Police officers will not be stationed at polling locations. Officers will respond to a polling location if responding to a call for service,” officials said.
“The department does not administer elections, determine voter eligibility, process ballots, or count votes. Those responsibilities belong to the appropriate election officials,” they said.
SBPD said it will evaluate reported incidents based on the specific facts and circumstances, applicable law, and public safety needs. When appropriate, the department will coordinate with election officials and other law enforcement agencies to address concerns that fall within their respective responsibilities.
“The department will not take action to favor or disadvantage a candidate, political party, ballot measure, or an individual’s lawful political viewpoint,” officials said. “Law enforcement decisions will be based on the facts, the law, and legitimate public safety considerations.”
The city and SBPD encourage community members to remain informed, rely on official election information, and report credible concerns through the appropriate channels.