Below is a link to information regarding California Voters Choice Act, which changes how we cast our ballots in November of 2020. The Act is in place for all election cycles through 2024.

San Mateo County is one of several counties authorized by the State to conduct elections under the California Voter’s Choice Act (VCA). The VCA changed the traditional polling place election model to an All-Mailed Ballot/Vote Center model with ballot drop-off locations. Under this model, voters are able to cast their ballots by mail, drop off voted ballots into a secure Ballot Drop-off Box, or vote in person at a Vote Center. The VCA also includes a provision for same day voter registration. In the past, voters were required to register or re-register 15 days before an election in order to cast a ballot. Under this new legislation, unregistered voters are able to go to a Vote Center on election day, fill out a Voter Registration Form, and cast a provisional ballot. Once the voter’s eligibility is verified, the provisional ballot was counted. 

Voters Choice Act
Online pre-registration is now available for eligible 16 and 17 year olds. California youth who pre-register to vote will have their registration become active once they turn 18 years old. More information can be found here. 

Options for Voting
All registered voters will receive an official vote-by-mail ballot. Ballots will be mailed starting October 5. There are many drop boxes available throughout the County. To vote n person, three Voting Centers will be open starting 30 days prior to Election Day, and an additional 42 Voting Centers will be open starting October 31. Any San Mateo County Voter can go to any Vote Center. A complete list of Vote Center locations is available here.

To avoid long lines at Vote Centers, especially in light of COVID-19, it is highly recommended that you mail or drop your ballot early.