Voting Options

How to Mark Your Paper Ballot

 

Marking ballots is the same for Vote by Mail Voters, Polling Place Voters & Early Voters

 

Marking a paper ballot is the same whether you vote by mail or vote at the polls.  The ballots are the same. The only difference is how you cast your vote – in person or by mail.

 

1. Remove the ballot stub from ballot; keep it - it’s your receipt.
   
   
2. Use a black or blue ink pen to fill in the box of your choice on the ballot. To AVOID bleed through on your ballot, do NOT use a felt tip pen or a highlighter pen.
   
   
3. Be careful
   
   
   • Do not sign or print your name anywhere on the ballot.
   • Do not initial your ballot, even if you make a change.
   • Do not make stray marks, or write identifying numbers.


Any of the above may invalidate your entire ballot.

4. If you make a mistake and you are voting by mail, you can mark an X in the spoiled ballot box on the back flap of the return envelope.  We will mail a new ballot to you, if we receive your spoiled ballot no later than 7 days prior to the election.  Otherwise, you will need to come to the Elections Office or go to the polls.  (If you make a mistake at the polls, see the Election Officer on duty, give them your spoiled ballot and ask for a new one.)
   
   
5. Double-check your choices.
   
   
6. Sign the inside back flap of the envelope and fold the signature flap over to cover your signature.
   

To Vote by Mail:

Prepare the return envelope per the directions enclosed, add postage and put it in the mail. It must be received at Elections by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. You may also drop off your completed ballot off at any polling place, City Hall (if there is a City election) or County Elections Office on Election Day in order to be couted.

To Vote Early:

You may vote early by voting your Vote by Mail ballot at the Elections Office beginning 29 days before Election Day during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5p.m. except holidays. 40 Tower Road ,San Mateo, CA & 555 County Center, Redwood City, CA

 

To Vote at the Polls:

Vote, then drop your completed ballot into the Ballot Box.