State Election Observers To Monitor San Francisco Vote

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – The California Secretary of State is sending election observers to San Francisco on Tuesday to oversee poll workers and voters as they cast their ballots.

A spokeswoman for Secretary of State Debra Bowen said that they have received a number of calls from people concerned about the integrity of the election.

San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon has opened two investigations into alleged claims of voter fraud surrounding Mayor Ed Lee's campaign operations.  Several of Lee's opponents had previously called for election monitors.

Cellphone video surfaced allegedly showing workers from an independent group supporting Lee filling out ballots for senior citizens in Chinatown.

State officials could not confirm how many election monitors will be taking part in overseeing the process in San Francisco.

Officials said they will be visiting precincts throughout the day, asking questions and watching voters mark their ballots.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)