The Registrar of Voters in Santa Clara County has a new but familiar face. Matt Moreles, already an established figure in the county's election machinery, has been appointed the new Registrar of Voters, the county's top election official. Having worn the acting registrar hat for nearly a year, Moreles will now permanently step into the role, succeeding Shannon Bushey, who retired last year. The county executive, James R. Williams, expressed confidence in Moreles' ability to "run an effective, accessible, and transparent election system," according to a statement from the Santa Clara County.
Moreles' climb up the ladder has been steady since 2004 when he joined the department. Over his tenure, he has assumed various positions and was the Assistant Registrar by 2014. Moreles intends to continue to enhance the electoral process for the county, tackling both accessibility and inclusivity issues head-on. "My commitment is to enable all eligible voters to access the voting assistance they need to cast their ballot in a way that best fits their lives and circumstances," Moreles explained to the County of Santa Clara newsroom.
In his previous roles within the department, Moreles has been instrumental in modernizing the election's infrastructure, implementing new voting systems and electronic poll books, and even improving the inclusivity of the election process through the Voter’s Choice Act, which aimed to make voting more convenient for the county’s diverse population. His focus on public trust has led to transparency initiatives and community engagement programs intended to demystify the election process for the public.
His expertise in election technology and awareness of the evolving concerns surrounding modern elections make him well-suited for the challenges ahead. "With everything that’s happening in the country and the world, it’s more apparent than ever how vital and essential the fundamental institutions of our democracy are," Moreles shared, per the County of Santa Clara. He feels both pride and humility at the prospect of serving and safeguarding the election process. His credentials include a certification as an Election and Registration Administrator and membership in professional associations for clerks and election officials. Moreover, he has been appointed to the California Secretary of State's Voter's Choice Task Force.
