More voting questions answered
Question: Is it too late to register to vote?
The deadline for registering to vote in California is October 18th. You can register online at www.registertovote.ca.gov/. However, if you miss this deadline you still have the option to vote in person by registering and casting a Conditional Voter Registration (CVR) ballot at the Elections Division office or at your closest polling place. Polling places will be open beginning on October 31 and continuing through Election Day, November 3rd. There will be 47 in-person polling locations in Ventura County. To learn more about polling locations, or about changes to this year’s Election Day processes, visit https://recorder.countyofventura.org/november-3-2020-presidential-general-election-in-person-voting-locations/.
Question: If I receive my ballot in the mail but I prefer to vote in person is that allowed?
Yes, you have the option to vote in person if this is your preference. However, you must bring your ballot with you to the polling place and surrender it at the time of voting. This ensures you will not have the ability to both mail in a ballot and vote in person. There are no assigned polling places this year. You can go to any designated polling location listed at VenturaVote.org. Another option if you are concerned about the safety of mailing in your ballot is to drop it at a polling place in person, or at one of more than 30 drop-off locations in the County that are available now through November 3rd. Check for one near you at VenturaVote.org.
Question: I have heard you have to be sure your signature on the ballot matches the signature from your original voter registration. How can I know if mine matches?
It is true that the signature must generally match the original on your voter registration form. If you registered online and you have a valid driver license, they will use the signature from your license as your voter registration signature.
You can call the Elections Division at (805) 654-2664 if you want to see how you signed your name on your registration. For example, if you used a middle initial or maiden name. The representative can look up your name over the phone. If you are concerned your signature may not match as you registered to vote many years ago, then you can go to the Hall of Administrations at the Government Center and ask to view your voter registration signature in person.
Question: What do I need to know about how to complete my mail in ballot properly.
When your ballot comes in the mail it will include a pre-paid postage return envelope. You must fill in the oval to the right of each choice with black or blue ink. Place the ballot into the envelope provided and sign the back of the return envelope where the red X indicates to sign. Your signature must match with the one on record. You can register online to receive updates and track you ballot at
wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov.
Question: What will be on the ballot and how can I learn more about who and what to vote for?
You have the opportunity to vote for the U.S. President and Vice President as well as U.S. Representative, State Senate and State Assembly seats. There are also nonpartisan offices on the ballot including Board of Education and School Districts, City Council and other City offices and Special Districts. State Propositions are also on the ballot.
The County Voter Information Guide was already mailed to each registered voter and includes information on what is on the ballot. A lot of information is available online at https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections.
Many issues that are important for older adults, such as the future of Medicare, Social Security funding and healthcare issues, will be affected by the election. Make sure to research where your candidates stand on these important issues and always use more than one valid source to make your decision. Exercise your right to vote in a thoughtful and meaningful way to ensure your voice in included on the issues that matter to you.
Martha Shapiro can reached at Senior Concerns at 805-497-0189 or by email at mshapiro@seniorconcerns.org.
