Dear friends and neighbors,
This month, my office was awarded the 2026 Center for Accountability and Performance Organizational (CAP) Leadership Award. CAP is part of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA).
The CAP Award Chairs told us that we received the award in recognition of our focus on leadership in equity work through auditing and serving as a resource for other auditors in this area. In addition, CAP recognized our office’s thoughtful community engagement efforts, including the creation of the ombudsman program and our community advisory committee.
Everyone in my office is tremendously honored that we have received this award. It is humbling to be recognized by peers who share my team’s dedication to public service.
This is an award we share with Multnomah County voters who supported this office’s efforts to integrate equity into our work, to connect with the community, and to establish a County Ombudsperson. My staff and I are truly honored to serve you.
Thank you,
Jennifer
Elections audit report issued
I issued my office’s performance audit report on the county’s Elections Division. Senior Auditors Dani Bernstein and Mandi Hood and Performance Auditor Siniva Bennett conducted the audit. They found that the division successfully implemented ranked choice voting for the City of Portland’s November 2024 elections. However, the division no longer has a Voter Education and Outreach program, faces infrastructure challenges, and needs to better support its staff.
The audit team found that one key element of the success in implementing ranked choice voting was community outreach. Because the county no longer has a Voter Education and Outreach program, it will be challenged to ensure that east county voters are prepared to participate in the county’s November ranked choice elections.
Auditors also found that the division needs to minimize the risks of staff transitions and absences. Staff have experienced a challenging work environment that is made more difficult due to the current political climate surrounding elections work. Additionally, staff primarily work in a building that was built in 1925, is located in a busy area, and has no parking devoted to voters. We found that there isn’t enough space in the main facility to process ballots during large elections.
We also assessed how Elections reduced the risk of mapping-related ballot errors that occurred in 2024. We found that the division has taken a number of steps to reduce the risk of error.
Throughout the audit, we saw the high level of commitment that Elections employees brought to their work, and we are grateful for all they do to support the right to vote and uphold the integrity of our democracy. We made recommendations to support Elections staff, outreach to voters, and facility safety, as well as to further reduce the risk of ballot errors. I urge county management to implement my office’s recommendations to help the division continue to administer safe, accessible, and secure elections.
Audit Committee Opening
We have an open seat on the Board of County Commissioners’ Audit Committee; apply through March 20 to serve on the committee. The Audit Committee's work is focused on the county's annual financial audit. The committee is a liaison to the Board of County Commissioners, county management, and the external financial auditor. The committee usually meets twice per year. Please note that this particular committee is not advisory to the Auditor’s Office, but the Auditor’s Office staffs the committee and the elected Auditor serves on it in a non-voting capacity.
You can submit your application here:
https://forms.gle/Cvnj962PBwyqjsoPA
For more information:
https://multco.us/info/board-commissioners-audit-committee
Community Engagement
Hillsdale Farmers' Market
On January 22, County Ombudsperson Cheryl Taylor, County Ombudsperson Intake Specialist Gelsi Tuz-Uxul, Constituent Relations & DEI Engagement Specialist Raymond De Silva, and I had a community booth, at Hillsdale Farmers' Market in SW Portland neighborhood. The County Ombudsperson staff provided information on voter registration and education, and explained how they can assist community members resolve issues with county programs and departments.
Say Hey! Partner's in Diversity
On February 11, Constituent Relations & DEI Engagement Specialist Raymond De Silva had the honor to be a Buddy to welcome Honorees at Say Hey! Partner in Diversity's quarterly event. He connected with Honorees by introducing them to other local community members and shared local knowledge and personal insights to Honorees who've recently moved to the area.
Invite Auditor McGuirk to attend an event or meeting
If you’d like me and or staff to attend or speak at a meeting with your community group, simply fill out this form.
In the News
KOIN: Audit: Multnomah County Elections secure; staffing, outreach and infrastructure strained
OPB: Multnomah County elections office needs more money, staff, new building, audit finds
Oregonlive/The Oregonian: Elections office in Oregon’s most populous county stretched thin, audit finds
KXL: Audit: Multnomah County Elections Handled Ranked-Choice Voting Well, but Staffing and Outreach Gaps Remain
Hoodline: Portland Election HQ Blasted As Cramped, Underfunded And Stuck In The Past