Robin Estrin

As of Sunday night, 70 percent of voters in Plumas County had returned their ballots. The figures were similarly high in Alpine and Sierra Counties, hovering near 65 percent and dwarfing the statewide average of 49 percent.  What do Plumas, Alpine and Sierra have in common? These three counties — all rural, sparsely populated and […]

Twenty-four electronic poll books to check voters in quickly: $45,000. One high-capacity letter opener to process an onslaught of mailed-in ballots faster than human hands: $34,000. Six stainless-steel ballot boxes with anti-tamper protection: $21,261. Seven kits of disinfectant and protective gear to shield poll workers and voters from Covid-19: $2,500.  These price tags, provided to […]