The Registrar of Voters is sending postcards to over 1.8 million registered voters in San Diego County this week telling them to expect a mail ballot for the November 3, 2020 Presidential General Election.
In light of COVID-19, the Governor signed two executive orders to send mail ballots to every active registered voter in California so they can exercise their right to vote in a safe, secure and accessible manner. Those who need to vote in person will also have that option.
What does this mean for you?
- Nearly 75% of the county’s registered voters are already signed up to permanently receive their ballot by mail so the Registrar’s Office is well positioned to manage this increase.
- If you need to vote in person, polling places will be open for four days, Oct. 31 through Election Day, Nov. 3. Be prepared. There will be fewer locations than in prior elections, so your location has most likely changed.
What do you need to do?
Be Vote Ready!
- Check your registration information. Make sure your residence and, if different, your mailing address is up to date.
- Have you moved or changed your name? Whether you are new to San Diego County or just moved down the street you need to re-register to vote.
- Are you a first-time voter? Register to vote – it takes less than two minutes.
In response to the governor’s executive orders, the Registrar of Voters office has launched a Vote Safer San Diego campaign to encourage voters to vote from home.
Ballots will start going out in the mail the week of Oct. 5, giving voters nearly a month to mark their ballot and return it before Election Day.
You can now track your mail ballot every step of the way by signing up for “Where’s My Ballot?”. Sign up now to receive automatic notifications at sdvote.com.
What if you need to vote in person?
The Registrar’s office encourages you to take advantage of early voting:
- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday starting Oct. 5 at the Registrar’s office.
- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 31 through Monday, Nov. 2 at your assigned polling place or the Registrar’s office.
The Registrar’s Office and polling places will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3.
If you decide to vote in person, be sure to bring your mail ballot with you and prepare for long lines. The Registrar especially encourages older adults and people with underlying medical conditions to avoid long lines and crowded polling places by voting early.
Learn more about voting in the presidential general election at sdvote.com or call (858) 565-5800.
