Information provided by San Benito County Elections Office. Lea este artÃculo en español aquÃ.
The San Benito County Elections Office is bittersweetly announcing the departure of
one of its most valuable team members, Sofia Abonce, who is transferring to Fresno
State University to continue her education. Abonce’s five years of dedication, hard work,
and remarkable spirit have left an indelible mark on the office and the community it
serves.
Sofia’s journey with the County of San Benito began at the age of 16 in 2020, when she
volunteered as a high school poll worker for the General Presidential Election. Even
then, her humor, strong work ethic and dedication were exceptionally rare for someone
her age. She quickly distinguished herself by demonstrating remarkable empathy in
challenging situations, skillfully assisting irate voters with their needs and ensuring a
smooth electoral process.
After working the general election and graduating with honors from Hollister High
School, Sofia enrolled at Cabrillo Community College. It was during this time that the
Elections Office recognized her immense potential and offered her a part-time position
as a student intern. She rapidly became an essential employee, transitioning to larger
roles within the office.
Abonce brought a much-needed breath of fresh air to the county’s voter education and
outreach programs. She fearlessly tackled outreach events at local farmers’ markets,
workshops, and school events, significantly increasing public awareness and voter
registration. Her youthful spirit and innovative approach were particularly impactful in
marginalized communities, where she expertly increased voter registration among
Spanish-speaking communities through bicultural methods that truly resonated with
their needs.
Her continued academic progress and professional growth led to another well-deserved
promotion to Office Assistant. In this capacity, Sofia undertook the monumental task of
restoring the Elections Office after the devastating 2023 Hall of Records fire. She
meticulously cataloged historical records, scanned crucial documents, inventoried
equipment, and, most notably, began leading poll workers, temporary employees, and
even managed an entire vote center herself. It was during this challenging period that
Sofia truly became an integral and symbiotic part of the Elections Office.
County Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters, Francisco Diaz, shared his profound
appreciation for Sofia’s contributions. “Sofia Abonce is a shining example of what
dedication and passion can achieve,” Diaz stated. “Her commitment to public service, her ability to connect with diverse communities, and her unwavering positive attitude
have been invaluable to our office. She has truly set a new standard for our student
intern program, and her impact will be felt for years to come.”
Beyond her exceptional work ethic and problem-solving skills, Sofia also fostered a
sense of camaraderie and mentorship within the office. She was always willing to share
her knowledge and experiences with new volunteers and interns, creating a supportive
and collaborative environment. Her enthusiasm was infectious, inspiring those around
her to approach their tasks with similar dedication and a positive outlook.
As Sofia embarks on the next chapter of her academic and professional journey at
Fresno State University, the San Benito County Elections Office is eternally grateful for
her time and service to the county. The voters of San Benito County owe her a
tremendous debt of gratitude for her tireless efforts in promoting civic engagement and
ensuring fair and accessible elections. While her departure is a loss, the office
celebrates her growth and anticipates her future successes.
As Francisco Diaz aptly put it, “There will always be a position for Sofia in the Elections
Office. And who knows, she may be returning back to our county after graduation.” The
entire San Benito County community wishes Sofia the very best in her future endeavors
and looks forward to seeing the incredible impact she will undoubtedly continue to
make.