Golden State Today

California county election officials have started mailing vote-by-mail ballots to all active registered voters. Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., emphasized the convenience of this voting method, stating, “Voting by mail offers California voters a convenient way to participate in our elections.” She advised voters to plan their voting strategy as ballots begin to arrive.

Voters in California have several options for casting their votes: by mail, using drop-box locations, or at polling places and vote centers. Weber encouraged eligible voters to ensure their voices are heard by making a voting plan.

The vote-by-mail ballot period starts once ballots are mailed out. Voters can follow five steps to complete the process: marking choices on the ballot, sealing it in the return envelope, signing the envelope with a matching signature from their state ID or voter registration, returning it via drop box, mail, or in person by November 5 at 8:00 p.m., and tracking it through wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov.

Registration and updates to voter information can be completed online at registertovote.ca.gov. Voter registration status can be checked at voterstatus.sos.ca.gov.

The Secretary of State’s office clarifies that they do not handle ballots directly; this is managed by election officials in each of California’s 58 counties. Further details about county election offices are available at sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices.