May 14, 2008

The June Primary Election is Just Around the Corner
Last Day to Register to Vote – May 19

Redwood City, CA - With less than three weeks until the June 3 Statewide Direct Primary, Chief Elections Officer Warren Slocum is reminding voters to register or re-register to vote before the upcoming deadline next week. “Monday, May 19 is the last day to register to vote and participate in the upcoming June Primary,” Slocum explained.

To be eligible to register to vote, a person must be:  (1) a U.S. citizen; (2) a San Mateo County resident; (3) at least 18 years old on Election Day; (4) not in prison or on parole for the a felony conviction; and (5) not deemed by a court to be mentally incompetent to register and vote.

Voters are also required to re-register to vote if they have (1) moved; (2) changed their name; or (3) wish to change their political party affiliation. People who have voted for years may not realize that they need to re-register if they move across town or change their name. When they get to the polls and their name isn’t on the roster, they’re surprised. “It’s important to
re-register; it ensures that a voter receives the correct Sample Ballot and Voter Information Pamphlet and casts votes in the correct precinct and in contests for which they are eligible to vote,” Slocum explained.

Voters who wish to change their party affiliation must re-register in order to change their party status. A Decline to State voter, however, is entitled to cast a nonpartisan ballot or one of the three partisan ballots (American Independent, Democratic or Republican).

Voter registration cards can be obtained from the Elections Office, as well as any public library, city hall, post office or DMV. Voter registration cards require an original signature and must be submitted in person or through the mail. A registration card postmarked on or before May 19 will be accepted as meeting the registration deadline.