Joyful Election Day!
We all know you’ve had your poll for, what, 4 weeks now? We received’t inform. Perhaps you have been too busy to review the candidates or the problems earlier than the massive day rolled round? Or possibly you’ve misplaced the poll you bought within the mail and now are questioning if you happen to can nonetheless vote?
Don’t fear. Right here’s all the data you could ensure that your vote is knowledgeable and your poll is counted.
What’s on the poll?
Although there’s no presidential candidates on the ticket this yr, there’s heaps to weigh in on — from California’s subsequent governor, to native races for mayor, to the way forward for sports activities playing.
There are a number of thrilling native races, relying on the place you reside. In Oakland, 10 candidates are vying to switch outgoing Mayor Libby Schaaf. San Jose voters additionally will elect a brand new mayor, and it’s more likely to be a shut race between Metropolis Councilman Matt Mahan and Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez — who collectively have drawn a file quantity of marketing campaign spending.
Housing is also on the poll, because the area continues to reel from a drastic scarcity of reasonably priced houses. Cities all through the Bay Space are asking voters to weigh in on all the things from taxing vacant houses, to elevating cash for brand new housing, to increasing renter protections.
Statewide, voters can determine whether or not to enshrine abortion rights within the state structure (which is more likely to go), legalize betting on sports activities (more likely to fail) and tax rich Californians to fund electrical automotive rebates and different environmental packages (this one ought to be shut).
A number of different statewide contests in all probability received’t be nail-biters — such because the governor’s race, the place incumbent Gov. Gavin Newsom is anticipated simply to defeat Republican challenger Sen. Brian Dahle. Voters additionally can be requested to decide on a lieutenant governor, lawyer normal, controller and extra. Sen. Alex Padilla and Republican rival Mark Meuser seem on the poll twice — Newsom appointed Padilla to fill the Senate seat vacated by Vice President Kamala Harris, and now, voters should determine whether or not Padilla ought to stay in workplace for the remainder of this time period and whether or not he ought to serve one other full, six-year time period.
Voters will see a number of state Supreme Courtroom justices — together with a nominee for chief justice — and appellate justices on the poll. Not like different candidates, justices don’t run towards challengers. They're nominated by Gov. Newsom, and voters merely vote for or towards them.
How do I vote?
You possibly can place your poll within the mail (no postage required) or in an official poll drop field, or you may vote in individual. To seek out your closest polling place or poll drop-off location, go to: sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place.
When is the deadline?
In the event you’re mailing in your poll, your vote can be counted so long as it’s postmarked by Nov. 8 and acquired no later than seven days after Election Day. In the event you’re depositing your poll in a drop field, ensure that it will get there by 8 p.m. Polling places are open from 7 a.m. to eight p.m.
I bought a poll within the mail. Can I nonetheless vote in individual?
Sure. All Californians who're registered to vote routinely acquired a poll by mail. However if you happen to desire to vote in individual, go forward and make the journey to your native polling place — simply ensure that to deliver your clean vote-by-mail poll with you and switch it in to a ballot employee.
What if I misplaced my poll?
You possibly can nonetheless vote. Go to your native polling place and get a “provisional poll,” which can be counted after officers confirm you're registered to vote and haven’t already voted.
What if I haven’t registered to vote but?
Excellent news! There’s nonetheless time. And allow us to simply say, we’re impressed you’re asking. You possibly can register to vote and solid your poll all of sudden once you go to your native polling place. Inform your ballot staff you want “same-day” or “conditional” voter registration. If you wish to verify and ensure you’re registered, go to voterstatus.sos.ca.gov.
How do I do know if my poll has been counted?
To get alerts by way of e-mail, textual content or cellphone in regards to the standing of your poll, enroll at WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov. They may ship you a textual content or e-mail notifying you when your poll will get to the registrar and is counted.
If I vote, will I be in good firm?
As of Monday, 21% of ballots had been returned statewide, in keeping with Political Knowledge, Inc., which tracks election information. However many extra could also be within the mail or sitting on folks’s desks ready for a visit to the drop field. Specialists are hoping for a complete turnout of between 55% and 60%.
Is awful climate going to creating voting a problem?
Tuesday’s forecast requires rain — and possibly even some lightning — all through the Bay Space as a part of a storm system anticipated to drop extra precipitation than we’ve seen since April. It was that unhealthy climate might actually dampen voter turnout. However now that Californians solely should drop these ballots within the nearest mailbox in time for the postal provider pickup, or in a drop field by 8 p.m., even Tuesday’s moist forecast isn’t a adequate excuse for sitting out this election.
What else ought to I do know?
Don’t overlook to signal your poll! There’s an area in your signature on the skin of the envelope your poll goes in. A poll with no signature or with a signature that doesn’t match your voter registration card can’t be counted.