STOCKTON – On Tuesday, the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved Olivia Hale as the new Registrar of Voters (ROV) to oversee local elections. Ms. Hale previously served as the Assistant ROV prior to the unexpected and tragic passing of the previous ROV, Heather Ditty.

A local native, Hale was born in Lodi and grew up in Stockton. She began her career with San Joaquin County in 2018 as an elections technician. She was promoted to Assistant ROV in March 2022, a position which the former ROV, Heather Ditty, created and personally chose Hale to take the lead.

“This community is my priority. I have focused my entire adult life on supporting those in need and striving to make our community a better place to live,” Hale said. “I served with one of the genuinely best public servants around while working with Heather. I am excited to carry on her legacy and the opportunity to increase transparency and voter engagement throughout the County.”

“Oliva certainly proved herself during this past election under the most challenging of circumstances,” said San Joaquin County Administrator, Jay Wilverding. “Between the passing of her boss and friend just days before the election and a cumbersome ballot machine error, she went above and beyond to ensure a transparent, timely and thorough election.”

During the Board of Supervisors meeting Hale stated, “I am dedicated to delivering fair, impartial, accurate, secure, transparent and accessible elections to every voter in San Joaquin County. I plan to implement several different strategies to include our youth, our community partners, and the citizens of San Joaquin County in the election process.”

Hale officially begins her position as ROV on August 15th and her office is already gearing up for the General Election on November 8, 2022.

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