The governor's office said Oct. 6 that Gov. , Secretary of State Dr. and Attorney General urged eligible California voters to check their mail for ballots and return them as soon as possible; ballots are beginning to arrive with Election Day four weeks away.
The release said that under the U.S. Postal Service’s new process, mail dropped off at post offices and mail collection boxes more than 50 miles from a U.S. Postal Service regional hub is collected the next day, instead of the same day; in some areas a ballot dropped on Election Day could be postmarked the day after and be late, and late ballots are not counted.
The office advised Californians who plan to return their ballot by mail to do so at least a week before Election Day.
Voters have alternatives to relying on the mail; the release said secure ballot drop-off boxes are open now and remain available until Election Day, and completed mail ballots can be dropped off at any vote center on Election Day; do not put them in the mail if you are cutting it close.
The release added that voters can go to any post office counter and ask for a postmark to ensure they receive credit for mailing on time, and that ballots can be tracked at WheresMyBallot.com. The Secretary of State’s toll-free Voter Hotline, (800) 345-VOTE (8683), and elections@sos.ca.gov are available to report denials of voting rights in English and other languages, the release said.
If you are unsure you are registered, the release said you can check online; eligible voters have until Oct. 19 to register, and those who miss that deadline can register on Election Day through Conditional Voter Registration.
The release said Newsom signed 13 new laws last month to safeguard elections and that this year’s final budget included several investments in elections: $29 million for increased county staffing, technology and equipment; $5 million for county voter outreach and education; $5 million for statewide outreach through the Secretary of State; and $750,000 to combat mis- and disinformation.
Attorney General Rob Bonta said the state "successfully secured a U.S. Supreme Court order that protects your ability to vote by mail," and he encouraged Californians to vote early to ensure their voices are heard.
State
Gavin Newsom
Governor · Democrat
Named 2 times in this story.
Portrait: Official portrait
State
Shirley N. Weber
Secretary of State · Democrat
Named once in this story.
Portrait: Official portrait
State
Rob Bonta
Attorney General · Democrat
Named 2 times in this story.
Portrait: Official portrait
Sources & methodology
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