A message from the California Secretary of State:
All registered California voters will be sent a vote-by-mail ballot with a prepaid, first class postage return envelope for the November 3, 2020 General Election.
You have multiple safe, secure, and reliable options for returning your ballot
- Mail – No stamp is required to return your ballot through the US Postal Service. Make sure your ballot is postmarked by November 3, 2020.
- Drop box – Many counties will offer secure drop boxes to return your ballot. Make sure your ballot is deposited by 8:00 p.m. on November 3, 2020
- In-person – You can return your ballot to a polling place, vote center, or your county elections office by 8:00 p.m. on November 3, 2020. Many counties will have early voting locations available before Election Day. Voting locations will offer voter registration, replacement ballots, accessible voting machines, and language assistance.
We’re taking proactive steps to safeguard the vote-by-mail process
- County elections offices will carefully process all valid vote-by-mail ballots they receive. Your signature on the return envelope will be compared to the one provided when registering to protect your vote. For many voters, this will be the signature on your CA driver’s license or state ID.
- The state has allowed more time for vote-by-mail ballots cast by Election Day to arrive at county elections offices. County elections offices will process all ballots that are postmarked by Election Day and arrive within 17 days of Election Day.
- Our US Postal Service partners are prioritizing delivery of vote-by-mail ballots. All ballots feature the Official Election Mail Logo to help postal workers and carriers identify ballots and ensure all ballots are processed in a timely manner.
You can also take action to ensure a smooth voting experience
- Double check the address on your registration. To make sure you get your ballot, you can confirm your address at: VoterStatus.sos.ca.gov
- Sign up for ballot tracking alerts. You can sign up to receive updates on your vote- by-mail ballot via text (SMS), email, or voice call through the state’s official “Where’s My Ballot?” tracking tool at: WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov
- Make your plan to vote. Decide how you will return your ballot. No matter which method you choose, you can find tools to cast your ballot at: vote.ca.gov
Together we can ensure a safe and secure election for all California voters! Sincerely,
Alex Padilla
California Secretary of State