LAKEPORT, Calif. — The Lake County Registrar of Voters Office is opening its new office to the public this week.

On Monday, Feb. 14, at 8 a.m., Registrar of Voters Maria Valadez and her team of five staffers will be open for business at a new location — 325 N. Forbes St. in Lakeport.

Many local residents will recognize this space as, “The old PG&E building.”

They are leaving behind the 800-square-foot space on the second floor of the Lake County Courthouse — just a block away — for the new location, which Valadez said is about 2,000 square feet.

“We’ll have more room to work,” Valadez said.

She said the Auditor-Controller’s Office is set to expand into the space that formerly housed the Elections Office.

In July, the Board of Supervisors approved a lease for the space that runs through July 31, 2031, as Lake County News has reported. The lease rate is $2,200 per month for the first five years, after which increases can take place based on the Consumer Price Index.

Those that previously paid their PG&E bill at 325 N. Forbes will observe many modifications have been made to the space.

Renovations were managed by the outstanding Buildings and Grounds team from the county’s Public Services Department.

In addition, county Information Technology staff worked to ensure data infrastructure was secure, and would provide for continuous information availability.

Each step of the remodel was guided by a two-pronged focus: providing the best available customer service for Lake County’s voters while responsibly investing public funds, the county reported.

“Our office seeks to ensure every Lake County Resident is aware of their opportunities to vote, and provide for free, fair and transparent elections. This new office location will help us accomplish that,” said Valadez.

“During recent election cycles, particularly in light of COVID-19 precautions, it has been difficult to provide adequate space for people seeking to observe key public elections processes,” Valadez continued. “The configuration of this new office is purpose-built, and we believe it will enhance public confidence in the diligent work our staff undertake every day.”

She added, “We are excited to continue providing the highest quality service.”

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.