How to Vote by Mail in California
Apply to vote by mail., Fill in the ballot you receive., Place the ballot in the envelope provided., Sign your envelope., Mail your ballot at least a week before election day., Alternatively, drop off your ballot at any polling place before it...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Apply to vote by mail.
In California, any registered voter may vote by mail.
Apply at least 7 days prior to the election.
You can use the application that comes with your sample ballot, or download the application form.
If you have moved since the last election, or if you have changed your name, you must re-register to vote. -
Step 2: Fill in the ballot you receive.
Be certain to read the instructions and make clear marks for each vote. , The envelope is traceable to you, so keep it with your ballot, and do not trade envelopes with other registered voters in your household. , Many ballots get rejected because they are not signed. , Remember, the ballot must be received by the end of election day.
It is not a postmark deadline.
Late ballots are rejected.
Use sufficient postage on your ballot.
Many ballots weigh over one ounce, so they require multiple first-class stamps to mail.
Walk into any post office and request help weighing the envelope if you are unsure of the weight or how much postage to affix.
According to the study, some 60% of uncounted ballots failed to be counted because they arrived late. , The poll workers there can help you make sure your ballot is signed and collected in the right box.
You may also be able to drop off your ballot at the office of the registrar of voters, city hall, county offices, libraries, or other government office in your county.
A quick web search should help you find drop-off locations near you.
If you want another member of your household to drop off your ballot for you, make sure that person also signs.
The envelope will have a specific place for that person's signature.
Some counties require that the person dropping off your ballot must be a member of your household, so read the instructions on the ballot and the envelope carefully. , Many counties now have pages where you can look up the status of your ballot.
It may take a few days before your ballot shows up on such a website.
If your county has no such website, phone them and ask, instead. -
Step 3: Place the ballot in the envelope provided.
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Step 4: Sign your envelope.
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Step 5: Mail your ballot at least a week before election day.
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Step 6: Alternatively
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Step 7: drop off your ballot at any polling place before it closes at 8pm on election day.
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Step 8: Go online after the election to check that your vote is counted.
Detailed Guide
In California, any registered voter may vote by mail.
Apply at least 7 days prior to the election.
You can use the application that comes with your sample ballot, or download the application form.
If you have moved since the last election, or if you have changed your name, you must re-register to vote.
Be certain to read the instructions and make clear marks for each vote. , The envelope is traceable to you, so keep it with your ballot, and do not trade envelopes with other registered voters in your household. , Many ballots get rejected because they are not signed. , Remember, the ballot must be received by the end of election day.
It is not a postmark deadline.
Late ballots are rejected.
Use sufficient postage on your ballot.
Many ballots weigh over one ounce, so they require multiple first-class stamps to mail.
Walk into any post office and request help weighing the envelope if you are unsure of the weight or how much postage to affix.
According to the study, some 60% of uncounted ballots failed to be counted because they arrived late. , The poll workers there can help you make sure your ballot is signed and collected in the right box.
You may also be able to drop off your ballot at the office of the registrar of voters, city hall, county offices, libraries, or other government office in your county.
A quick web search should help you find drop-off locations near you.
If you want another member of your household to drop off your ballot for you, make sure that person also signs.
The envelope will have a specific place for that person's signature.
Some counties require that the person dropping off your ballot must be a member of your household, so read the instructions on the ballot and the envelope carefully. , Many counties now have pages where you can look up the status of your ballot.
It may take a few days before your ballot shows up on such a website.
If your county has no such website, phone them and ask, instead.
About the Author
Larry Price
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow home improvement tutorials.
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