Trinity County Preservationist

For many years voters and family turning out to the County Courthouse has been a part of a true shared experience.  In the past they would sip coffee or hot chocolate, chatted with seldom seen neighbors and waited their turn to go behind the curtain to cast their votes. People generally took their kids so they could witness the privileged act of voting. It was normal to witness two candidates shaking hands after the victor became clear.

On Election Day night, political rivals would often gather at the same place for the chance to learn election results at the earliest possible moment.  For over 30 years, the people of Trinity County would stand outside the county clerk’s office waiting for tallies to be posted on the large blackboard set up in front of the courthouse. 

This communal aspect of Election Day is not completely gone in our county.  Here is a picture of the Trinity County election results posted on the Election Chalkboard in 2010.